Saturday marks the heart of AFCON 2025's second matchday, and what a day it promises to be. Four fixtures across two groups will test ambitions, expose vulnerabilities, and perhaps crown early favorites.
Group D: The Hunt for Qualification
The day opens in El Barid Stadium, Rabat, where Benin faces Botswana at 12:30 GMT. Both sides are wounded—Benin fell 1-0 to DR Congo, while Botswana suffered a 3-0 drubbing at Senegal's hands. This is must-win territory for two nations who cannot afford to slip further behind in a group dominated by African football's elite.
Later, the stakes rise dramatically. Senegal versus DR Congo at 15:00 GMT in Tangier represents a meeting of Matchday 1 victors. The Lions of Teranga were ruthless against Botswana with a commanding 3-0 win. The Leopards, meanwhile, ground out a disciplined 1-0 success over Benin. One of these contenders will emerge with six points and control of Group D.
Group C: Desperation Meets Destiny
At 17:30 GMT in Rabat, Uganda meets Tanzania in an East African derby loaded with pressure. Uganda crumbled against Tunisia (1-3), while Tanzania pushed Nigeria before falling 1-2. Neither can afford another defeat. This is survival football—raw, emotional, and unforgiving.
The night ends with Saturday's crown jewel: Nigeria versus Tunisia at 20:00 GMT in Fez. Both won their openers, both carry historical weight. The Super Eagles edged Tanzania 2-1 with Ademola Lookman's brilliance, though Victor Osimhen's finishing remains a concern. Tunisia, fresh from dismantling Uganda 3-1, arrive with World Cup qualification secured and confidence soaring. With 21 previous meetings ending 7-6-8 in Tunisia's favor, history offers no predictions—only tension.
What's at Stake
After one round, the tournament's early patterns suggest clinical efficiency and costly errors define the gap between contenders and pretenders. Saturday will reinforce or rewrite those narratives. By midnight, two groups could have their stories all but told—or thrown into delicious uncertainty.