The first day of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ended Tuesday evening in Morocco, marking the official kick-off for the 24 teams involved. Groups E and F offered a show full of twists and turns, already confirming the intensity of this edition.
In Casablanca, Burkina Faso signed one of the most stunning scenarios. Trailing 0-1 by Equatorial Guinea in the 89th minute, the Stallions found the resources to reverse the trend in stoppage time. Georgie Minoungou then Edmond Tapsoba offered an unexpected victory (2-1), ideally launching their campaign. A few hours later, at the Prince Moulay Hassan stadium in Rabat, Algeria finally found the taste of continental success. Six years after their 2019 coronation, the Fennecs ended a long drought by dominating Sudan (3-0). In front of more than 16,000 spectators, Riyad Mahrez shone with a double, before young Maza sealed the score at the end of the match. A masterful performance which places Algeria among the favorites of group E. This victory is all the more symbolic as it comes after two failed editions, where Algeria had never managed to get through the group stage. Vladimir Petkovic’s men showed a newfound solidity and offensive efficiency which reassured an entire people. Mahrez, often criticized, responded, recalling that he remains one of the undisputed leaders of Khadra.
Group F took over
In Marrakech, Ivory Coast, defending champions, struggled against a disciplined Mozambican defense. But Amad Diallo, with a precise shot shortly after the break, delivered the Elephants for a minimalist success (1-0). Finally, in Agadir, Cameroon reassured its supporters by winning against Gabon. Etta Eyong scored the only goal of the match, before the Indomitable Lions resisted the repeated attacks of the Panthers (1-0). These inaugural results place Burkina Faso, Algeria, Ivory Coast and Cameroon at the top of their respective groups. Above all, they announce already hot posters, starting with the highly anticipated duel between the Elephants and the Indomitable Lions, Sunday in Marrakech. CAN 2025 has only just begun, but it already promises sparks.
Recueillis Manjado Razafy