AFCON 2025 Timetable Day 9: Uganda Face Nigeria as Senegal and Tunisia Fight for Knockout Spots

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations has reached its ninth day in Morocco, and the group stages are just hitting their dramatic climax.

The focus today, Tuesday, December 30, shifts to Groups C and D. While some giants, including Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco have already secured their passage, for others, today represents the final chance to keep their continental dreams alive.

Today’s schedule features four matches that will finalise the knockout bracket, and with the best third-placed rule in play, every goal scored or conceded carries immense weight.

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At the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Nigeria face Uganda in a clash that pits a qualified giant against a desperate underdog.

The Super Eagles have lived up to their billing as tournament favourites, securing six points from their first two games.

They opened their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tanzania and followed it up with a spectacular 3-2 victory over Tunisia, where Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen once again proved why they are the most feared duo on the continent.

For Uganda, the situation is dire. After a disappointing 3-1 loss to Tunisia and a gritty 1-1 draw against Tanzania, the Cranes sit on just one point.

To have any hope of progressing, they must defeat the Super Eagles, a feat they have not achieved in competitive play in nearly two decades.

Simultaneously, in Rabat, Tunisia take on Tanzania. Tunisia’s journey has been a rollercoaster; they looked clinical in a 3-1 opening win against Uganda but were left stunned by Nigeria’s attacking power in their 3-2 defeat.

Currently on three points, they need only a draw to be mathematically safe, but they will be wary of a Tanzania side that has shown incredible spirit.

Tanzania, led by the veteran Mbwana Samatta, gave Nigeria a scare in their opener before sharing the spoils with Uganda in the East African derby.

With one point to their name, the Taifa Stars know that a historic win over Tunisia would likely see them through to the Round of 16 for the first time ever.

As the evening sets in, Group D takes centre stage in Tangier. The 2021 champions, Senegal, take on Benin. Senegal began their campaign with a dominant 3-0 masterclass against Botswana, featuring a Nicolas Jackson double. However, they were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient DR Congo.

Benin come into this game with renewed hope. After a narrow 1-0 loss to DR Congo, they bounced back with a crucial 1-0 win over Botswana thanks to Yohan Roche.

Sitting on three points, Benin are in a strong position, but facing Sadio Mane and a motivated Senegal side is the toughest test in African football right now.

The final match of the night sees DR Congo take on Botswana in Rabat. The Leopards of DR Congo have been one of the most organised teams in Morocco. A 1-0 win over Benin, followed by a disciplined 1-1 draw against Senegal, has already essentially secured their knockout spot.

They now play for the top seed, which could offer a more favourable path in the Round of 16. For Botswana, the tournament has been a harsh learning curve. After a 3-0 loss to Senegal and a 1-0 defeat to Benin, the Zebras are mathematically eliminated.