Morocco, Egypt, and Cote d’Ivoire impressed within the opening spherical of their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers, securing decisive victories on Friday evening.
Morocco dominated Gabon, Egypt defeated Cape Verde, and reigning champions Cote d’Ivoire kicked off with a win over Zambia.
Elsewhere, Senegal have been held to a draw by Burkina Faso, and Mali shared the spoils with Mozambique.
Morocco 4-1 Gabon – Targets: H. Ziyech (10′ pen, 25′ pen), B. Diaz (59′), A. Kaabi (82′) for Morocco / P. Aubameyang (45+1′ pen) for Gabon
Morocco’s conflict with Gabon delivered an uncommon first half, marked by 4 penalties, three of which have been transformed. Hakim Ziyech opened the scoring with a penalty within the tenth minute after Abde Ezzalzouli was introduced down within the field. Gabon had an opportunity to equalize when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang earned a penalty within the sixteenth minute following a handball by Abdelkabir Abqar, however the striker hit the publish. Minutes later, Ziyech doubled Morocco’s lead with one other penalty after Sofiane Rahimi was fouled within the space. Gabon have been awarded a second penalty simply earlier than halftime, with Aubameyang changing this time to make it 2-1.
The second half noticed Morocco take full management, with Brahim Diaz scoring his first aim for the nationwide workforce within the 59th minute, adopted by substitute Ayoub Kaabi including a fourth within the 82nd minute, securing a snug 4-1 victory for the Atlas Lions.
Egypt 3-0 Cape Verde – Targets: R. Rabia (22′), M. Marmoush (45+1′), I. Adel (70′)
Egypt started their marketing campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Cape Verde. Rami Rabia headed dwelling the opening aim within the twenty second minute from a nook. Simply earlier than halftime, Mostafa Marmoush doubled the Pharaohs’ lead after a breakaway aim, ending calmly previous the Cape Verde goalkeeper. Substitute Ibrahim Adel rounded off the win within the seventieth minute, firing into the web after a rebound from the goalkeeper’s save, sealing a assured victory for Egypt.
Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 Zambia – Targets: J. Krasso (73′, 84′)
Cote d’Ivoire began their title protection in model with a 2-0 victory over Zambia. After a goalless first half, Jean-Philippe Krasso broke the impasse within the 73rd minute, earlier than including his second simply 11 minutes later to safe all three factors for the defending champions. The outcome provides Cote d’Ivoire a stable basis as they purpose to retain their Africa Cup of Nations title.
Senegal 1-1 Burkina Faso – Targets: S. Mané (16′) for Senegal / O. Bouda (90+5′) for Burkina Faso
Senegal have been denied victory by a stoppage-time equalizer from Burkina Faso in an exciting 1-1 draw. Sadio Mané gave the Teranga Lions the lead within the sixteenth minute with a composed end, and Senegal appeared set for victory till Ousseni Bouda’s last-gasp strike within the ninety fifth minute salvaged some extent for Burkina Faso.
Mali 1-1 Mozambique – Targets: G. Catamo (37′) for Mozambique / Y. Bissouma (52′) for Mali
Mozambique earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw in opposition to Mali. Geny Catamo opened the scoring for the guests within the thirty seventh minute, placing Mali underneath stress. Nevertheless, Mali responded within the second half when captain Yves Bissouma equalized within the 52nd minute, making certain the spoils have been shared in an intense contest.