LATE DRAMA LIGHTS UP AFCON AS SALAH, SOUTH AFRICA, AND DAKA STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT

By: Gyang Dakwo

Late goals and sharp momentum shifts set the tone at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, as Egypt, South Africa, and Zambia all found decisive moments when it mattered most.

Mohamed Salah struck in stoppage time to hand Egypt a hard-fought 2 to 1 win over Zimbabwe in their Group B opener. The seven-time champions dominated the ball for long periods, but frustration grew when Zimbabwe scored first. In the 20th minute, Jordan Jalai broke down the flank and found Prince Dube, who turned smartly in the box and finished past Mohamed El Shenawy.

Egypt responded with urgency after the break, and they pushed higher up the pitch while stretching the Zimbabwe defence. The pressure finally paid off in the 63rd minute when Omar Marmoush raced down the wing and fired home the equaliser. Egypt kept pressing, and deep into stoppage time Salah controlled a high ball in the area, slipped past his marker and finished calmly to seal the win and spark celebrations.

Earlier on Monday evening, South Africa began their Group B campaign with a deserved 2 to 1 victory over Angola at the Grand Stade de Marrakech. Bafana Bafana started strongly and took the lead in the 17th minute when Oswin Appollis reacted quickly to a loose ball, feinted past defenders and guided a low shot beyond Hugo Marques.

However, South Africa lost some control after scoring, and Angola grew into the match while enjoying more of the ball. Their pressure told in the 34th minute when Fredy delivered a dangerous free kick, and Show flicked it on at the near post to beat Ronwen Williams and draw level.

The second half brought renewed energy from South Africa after Hugo Broos introduced fresh legs. The pressure increased, and Mbokazi hit the crossbar while Lyle Foster had a goal ruled out for offside. The winning moment came in the 79th minute when South Africa pressed high, won possession, and Nkota slipped a pass to Foster, who curled a fine right footed shot into the top corner.

The result underlined South Africa’s growing confidence in a tough group.

In Group A, Patson Daka broke Malian hearts with a stoppage time header as Zambia claimed a dramatic 1 to 1 draw.

Mali had controlled much of the match and pinned Zambia back for long spells, with Mamadou Sangaré and Lassine Sinayoko driving their attacks. El Bilal Touré caused problems with his movement, but Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza kept his side alive, including a crucial penalty save from Touré.

Mali finally broke through just after the hour when Sinayoko reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area and blasted it under the crossbar. Zambia pushed forward in response, and Fashion Sakala led the charge, but Mali defended well for most of the closing stages.

Even so, Zambia refused to give up. Deep into stoppage time, a lapse in marking allowed Daka to rise highest in the box and head home, snatching a point and closing another night of late drama at the tournament.