African football doesn't take a break for the holidays. This December 26, 2025, the Africa Cup of Nations continues at full pace in Morocco with four matches that could reshape the landscape of Groups A and B. Between top-of-the-table clashes and must-win encounters, this Boxing Day promises to be decisive.
The summit clash: Egypt vs South Africa (4:00 PM)
This is the match the entire continent is waiting for. Both teams started their tournament with 2-1 victories, but with vastly different scenarios. Mohamed Salah had to rescue his team from trouble against Zimbabwe with a stoppage-time goal, while Bafana Bafana displayed clinical finishing against Angola.
This duel between the seven-time African champions and the 1996 winners could well decide first place in Group B. The memory of Egypt's elimination in the 2019 round of 16 by this same South Africa side (1-0) still lingers over this confrontation.
The must-win match: Angola vs Zimbabwe (1:30 PM)
For both teams who lost their opening games, defeat is almost forbidden. Angola, despite an encouraging performance against South Africa, must react. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, showed counter-attacking qualities that could hurt the Palancas Negras.
A victory for either would completely revive their qualification hopes. A defeat, however, would make the final matchday almost impossible to navigate.
The historic quest: Zambia vs Comoros (1:30 PM)
Stunning statistic: Zambia haven't won an AFCON finals match since their title in 2012. Thirteen years and ten games without a victory for the Chipolopolo, who snatched a precious point against Mali thanks to Patson Daka in the dying seconds.
Against Comoros, the surprising newcomers from the 2021 edition but beaten 2-0 by Morocco in their opener, Zambia have a golden opportunity to break this barren run. The Coelacanths will need to show more attacking ambition to hope for a result.
The home test: Morocco vs Mali (9:00 PM)
The Atlas Lions, heavy favorites for this home tournament, host Mali at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. After their controlled 2-0 victory against Comoros, punctuated by a sublime overhead kick from Ayoub El Kaabi, Walid Regragui's men want to confirm their status.
Mali, held to a draw by Zambia despite clear dominance, must absolutely take points to stay in the race. But recent history is cruel: the Eagles haven't beaten Morocco in four encounters and haven't scored in the last three.
Key takeaways
- 1:30 PM GMT: Angola vs Zimbabwe (Marrakech) - The battle for hope
- 1:30 PM GMT: Zambia vs Comoros (Casablanca) - End of a curse?
- 4:00 PM GMT: Egypt vs South Africa (Agadir) - The leaders' clash
- 9:00 PM GMT: Morocco vs Mali (Rabat) - The favorites' test
By the end of this day, the first clear trends will emerge. Some teams will take a step towards the round of 16, others will see their hopes seriously compromised. The African Boxing Day promises intense emotions.