Sports

LIVE: AFCON 2025 – Rolling updates of today’s action and key moments (27 December)


🕗 22:09 GMT

That brings down the curtain on an eventful Matchday 6 of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a day that delivered tight contests, shifting group dynamics and another reminder of why Africa’s flagship tournament never disappoints.

The headline act came in Fès, where Nigeria edged Tunisia 3–2 in a pulsating Group C clash. Ademola Lookman was the standout performer, earning Man of the Match honours after a decisive display that underlined Nigeria’s attacking depth and resilience.

The Super Eagles’ second straight victory moves them clear at the top of Group C with six points, placing one foot firmly in the knockout stages.

Elsewhere in Group C, the battle behind Nigeria remains wide open. Tunisia stay second on three points, while Tanzania and Uganda remain locked on one point apiece, setting up a tense final round where qualification hopes still hang in the balance.

In Group D, the draw between Senegal and DR Congo kept the group finely poised. Both sides sit level on four points at the summit, with Benin still very much in contention on three points after today’s action. Botswana, however, are now facing an uphill task after suffering a second straight defeat.

As the second round of group matches gathers momentum, attention now turns to Sunday, 28 December, with another quartet of intriguing fixtures on the horizon:

  • 12:30 GMT: Gabon vs Mozambique

  • 15:00 GMT: Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan

  • 17:30 GMT: Algeria vs Burkina Faso

  • 20:00 GMT: Côte d’Ivoire vs Cameroon

Plenty remains to be decided, and with qualification pressure increasing, Matchday 7 promises fresh storylines, rising tension and more moments to savour.

Thank you for joining us for today’s live coverage. We’ll be back tomorrow with minute-by-minute updates as Africa’s finest continue their quest for continental glory.
Good night from Morocco.

🕗 21:58 GMT FULL TIME

FULL-TIME: Nigeria 3–2 Tunisia
A hard-fought win for Nigeria sees both sides share the points in Group C, keeping qualification firmly within reach ahead of the final round of matches.

🕗 21:47 GMT GOAL TUNISIA

Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia  Ali Abdi (Tunisia) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the high centre of the goal. after a VAR decision to award a penalty Tunisia. The penalty conceded by Bright Osayi-Samuel (Nigeria) with a handball in the penalty area.

🕗 21:34 GMT GOAL TUNISIA

Nigeria 3-1 Tunisia Montassar Talbi (Tunisia) scores from a header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Hannibal Mejbri with a cross following a set piece situation.

🕗 21:26 GMT GOAL NIGERIA

Nigeria 3-0 Tunisia Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Victor Osimhen following a fast break.

🕘 21:20 GMT

Nigeria increase the tempo, circulating the ball quickly and pushing Tunisia deeper into their half.

🕗 21:08 GMT GOAL NIGERIA

Nigeria 2-0 Tunisia Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria) header from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Ademola Lookman with a cross following a corner.

🕘 21:04 GMT

The second half begins with renewed urgency. Nigeria press higher, while Tunisia look to exploit spaces on the counter.

🔄 SECOND HALF

🕘 20:48 GMT – HALF-TIME

Half-time: Nigeria 1–0 Tunisia
A tightly fought first half ends 1-0 in Fès, with the Super Eagles leading the Carthage Eagles. 

🕗 20:44 GMT GOAL NIGERIA

Nigeria 1-0 Tunisia  Victor Osimhen heads in from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Ademola Lookman with a cross.

🕗 20:40 GMT

The tempo rises slightly as both sides look to impose themselves. The physical intensity reflects the importance of the occasion. 

  • Goal! Nigeria 1, Tunisia 0. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) header from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Ademola Lookman with a cross.

🕗 20:30 GMT

Nigeria continue to dominate with a controlled phase of play, testing Tunisia’s defensive shape forcing some clear chances.

🕗 20:20 GMT

Nigeria enjoy a spell of possession, moving the ball crisply, but Tunisia remain well organised and difficult to break down. 

🕗 20:10 GMT

A measured opening from both teams, with Tunisia compact and Nigeria probing patiently through midfield.

🕗 20:00 GMT – KICK-OFF

The match is underway in Fès. Nigeria get us started as Group C rivals collide with qualification firmly in sight.

⏱️ FIRST HALF

🕖 19:55 GMT

Teams retreat to the dressing rooms for final instructions. All eyes on whether Nigeria’s attacking fluency can unlock Tunisia’s discipline, or if the North Africans can once again frustrate the Super Eagles.

🕖 19:50 GMT

Players are out warming up at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. The atmosphere is building steadily, with fans from both nations creating a vibrant pre-match backdrop.

🕖 19:45 GMT

There is deep history between these two sides at AFCON, including knockout encounters decided by penalties and Tunisia’s 1–0 win in the 2021 Round of 16. Familiarity promises intensity rather than caution.

🕖 19:35 GMT

Nigeria’s camp has played down pressure, with Wilfred Ndidi describing the tournament as a fresh opportunity to rebuild belief. Tunisia, meanwhile, are stressing discipline and collective focus as key to navigating one of Africa’s most historic rivalries.

🕢 19:30 GMT

Both teams arrive full of confidence after winning their opening matches — Nigeria edging Tanzania 2–1, Tunisia impressing in a 3–1 victory over Uganda. The Super Eagles arrive in style:

A win tonight would all but secure qualification for the knockout stage. The line up for tonight’s game:

 

🕢 19:28 GMT – TRANSITION & BUILD-UP

As the dust settles on the tightly contested Uganda–Tanzania draw in Rabat, the spotlight now shifts east to Fès for one of the standout fixtures of Matchday 6, where Nigeria face Tunisia in a high-stakes Group C showdown.

🔴 LIVE BLOG: Nigeria vs Tunisia – Group C

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025
Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fès, Fès
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

🕖 19:27 GMT – FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME: Uganda 1–1 Tanzania.
A hard-fought draw in Rabat sees both East African rivals share the points, keeping their qualification hopes alive but leaving everything to play for in the final round of Group C matches. Man of the Match goes to Simon 

 

 

🕕 19:21 GMT – PENALTY MISSED

Penalty missed. Allan Okello (Uganda) left footed shot is just a bit too high.

🕕 19:18 GMT – PENALTY FOR UGANDA.

Penalty Uganda. James Bogere draws a foul in the penalty area. Penalty conceded by Haji Mnoga (Tanzania) after a foul in the penalty area. 

🕖 19:17 GMT

Uganda throw bodies forward in the closing stages, while Tanzania remain disciplined, looking to exploit space on the counter.

🕕 19:10 GMT – GOAL FOR UGANDA

Goal! Uganda 1, Tanzania 1 Uche Ikpeazu (Uganda) header from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Denis Omedi with a cross.

🕖 19:00 GMT

The tempo rises as fatigue begins to show. Subtle shifts in momentum hint that a single moment could decide the contest.

🕕 18:50 GMT

Uganda push higher up the pitch, pressing aggressively and forcing hurried clearances from Tanzania.

🕕 18:51 GMT – GOAL FOR TANZANIA

Goal! Uganda 0, Tanzania 1 Simon Msuva (Tanzania) converts the penalty with a right footed shot to the top left corner.

🕕 18:49 GMT – PENALTY FOR TANZANIA

Penalty conceded by Uganda midfielder Baba Alhassan with a handball in the penalty area.

🕕 18:30 GMT

The second half begins with renewed urgency from both sides as the search for a breakthrough intensifies.

 

🔄 SECOND HALF

🕕 18:21 GMT – HALF-TIME

Half-time: Uganda 0–0 Tanzania.
A tense and tactical first half ends goalless, with both teams still firmly in the contest.

🕕 18:00 GMT

Uganda respond with a brief attacking spell, winning territory and forcing Tanzania to retreat into a compact defensive shape.

🕠 17:50 GMT

First real spell of pressure from Tanzania as they probe down the flanks, but Uganda’s back line holds firm.

🕠 17:40 GMT

A cautious opening from both teams, with Uganda looking to assert themselves physically while Tanzania circulate the ball patiently in midfield.

🕠 17:30 GMT – KICK-OFF

The match gets underway in Rabat. Uganda take the first touch as Group C rivals go head-to-head in a crucial encounter.

🕔 17:25 GMT

A lively crowd gathers in Rabat, with strong backing for both East African nations. Familiarity removes any element of surprise — intensity is guaranteed.

🕔 17:15 GMT

Players begin warm-ups at Stade El Madina. Uganda coach Paul Put has called for aggression and urgency, while Tanzania’s Miguel Gamondi has emphasised character and temperament as key deciding factors.

🕔 17:05 GMT

Uganda were beaten 3–1 by Tunisia, while Tanzania pushed Nigeria hard before falling 2–1. With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, defeat tonight would leave either side with a mountain to climb.

🕔 16:55 GMT

This is the first-ever AFCON finals meeting between the two neighbours, though their rivalry stretches back more than 60 years. Both sides arrive seeking their first points after opening-round defeats.

🕔 16:55 GMT – TRANSITION & BUILD-UP

Following the 1-1 draw between Senegal and DR Congo in Tangier, attention now shifts back to Rabat for a fiercely contested East African derby as Uganda and Tanzania meet with their AFCON campaigns on the line.

🔴 LIVE: Uganda vs Tanzania (Group C)

Venue: Stade El Madina, Rabat
Kick-off: 17:30 GMT

🕓 16:54 GMT – FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME: Senegal 1–1 DR Congo.
A hard-fought draw in Tangier sees both teams move closer to the knockout stages, extending Senegal’s unbeaten run and leaving Group D finely poised heading into the final round of matches.

🕓 16:50 GMT

Late pressure from Senegal as they push bodies forward, but DR Congo’s defensive organisation continues to frustrate the reigning champions.

🕓 16:40 GMT

Tension rises as the game enters its final phase. Both benches are animated, urging their teams forward in search of a decisive moment.

🕓 16:30 GMT

The match opens up slightly, with DR Congo beginning to look more adventurous on the break while Senegal continue to control possession.

🕓 16:28 GMT GOAL Senegal

 Senegal 1–1 DR Congo

Sadio Mané (Senegal) has restored parity for Senegal. His right footed shot from the centre of the box finds the bottom left corner for the equaliser.

🕓 16:20 GMT

Senegal increase the tempo, circulating the ball quickly and probing for openings as DR Congo remain disciplined and alert.

🕓 16:19 GMT GOAL DR Congo

 Senegal 0–1 DR Congo

DR Congo have taken the lead after a swift counter attack. Cédric Bakambu (Congo DR) scores with a left-footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner after goalkeeper Menday failed to hold at the first attempt.

🕓 16:15 GMT

DR Congo have improved their performance since the start of the second-half as they attack Senegal relentlessly but but the Teranga Lions continue to pose a threat with their swift counter-attacks. 

🕓 16:03 GMT

The second half kicks off with no changes from either side. The importance of the next goal is clear as both teams eye early qualification.

🔄 SECOND HALF

🕒 15:48 GMT – HALF-TIME

The referee brings the first half to a close. Senegal 0–0 DR Congo at the break after a tactical opening 45 minutes, with both teams cautious but purposeful.

🕒 15:40 GMT

Senegal push again, forcing DR Congo into deeper territory, though clear chances remain limited in a tightly contested first half.

🕒 15:30 GMT

Senegal settle into the contest, enjoying a spell of possession in midfield and slowing DR Congo’s early rhythm.

🕒 15:20 GMT

First real moment of intent as Senegal test the DR Congo back line with a driven delivery into the box, but the Leopards clear decisively.

🕒 15:00 GMT – KICK-OFF

The match gets underway in Tangier. Senegal start proceedings as Group D’s two early pace-setters go head-to-head.

🕒 14:55 GMT

Players emerge from the tunnel for the national anthems, greeted by a vibrant reception from the crowd. The sense of occasion reflects what is at stake this afternoon.

🕒 14:52 GMT

Both teams arrive at the stadium tunnel as final preparations are completed pitchside. This fixture carries significant history, with past AFCON meetings shaping defining moments for both nations.

🕝 14:50 GMT

Team news filtering through confirms no major surprises from either camp. Senegal retain the core that impressed in the 3–0 win over Botswana, while DR Congo stick with the disciplined structure that delivered a 1–0 victory over Benin.

🕝 14:40 GMT

The Grand Stade de Tanger continues to fill up as supporters from both nations arrive in numbers. Conditions are ideal for football, with a lively atmosphere building ahead of kick-off.

🕝 14:30 GMT – BUILD-UP

Attention now shifts to Tangier, where Senegal and DR Congo meet in a potentially decisive Group D clash. Both sides won their opening matches and know that victory this afternoon would secure early qualification for the knockout stages.

🔴 LIVE: Senegal vs DR Congo (Group D)

Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

🕒 14:28 GMT – FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME: Benin 1–0 Botswana.
A hard-fought win in Rabat sees Benin claim their first point of AFCON 2025 and first-ever AFCON win, and leaves Botswana’s qualification hopes in a balance in Group D.

🕑 14:26 GMT

Final minutes tick away with both teams battling for control. Fatigue is evident as the match edges toward its conclusion.

🕑 14:20 GMT

A strong spell from Botswana sees them enjoy more possession in midfield, easing the pressure and slowing Benin’s momentum. Botswana coach is not a happy man after his side missed a glaring opportunity to score.

Morena Ramoreboli, coach of Botswana reacts during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Benin and Botswana at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat

🕑 14:17 GMT

The game settles into a tense rhythm. Benin probe patiently, Botswana stay organised, and the crowd senses the importance of the next breakthrough.

🕜 14:15 GMT

Benin are still leading Botswana 1-0. And the line up for the tough clash between Senegal and DR Congo is out:

 

🕜 14:01 GMT

Benin are piling the pressure on the Botswana team as they seek to extend to their lead and establish themselves in the group. Meanwhile in our next game of the day, the DR Congo team have arrived in the stadium in Tangier ahead of the tough match. 

 

🕜 13:50 GMT

Benin strikers Junior Olaïtan are and Olivier Verdon are proving to be very difficult for the defenders of of Botswana to handle. 

🕜 13:37 GMT

The second half gets underway with both teams unchanged. The urgency is evident, knowing a draw does little for either side’s qualification hopes.

🔄 SECOND HALF

🕐 13:20 GMT – HALF-TIME

The referee brings the first half to a close. It remains Benin 1–0 Botswana, with Benin enjoying more of the ball and Botswana holding firm defensively.

🕒 12:59 GMT – GOAL

 Benin 1–0 Botswana

Yohan Roche (Benin) scores with a right footed shot from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Steve Mounié.

🕐 12:58 GMT

Botswana respond with their first foray forward, winning a free-kick in a promising area, but the delivery fails to beat the first man.

🕧 12:50 GMT

First meaningful moment of the game as Benin create space down the right, but the final ball is cut out by the Botswana defence before it can trouble the goalkeeper.

🕧 12:40 GMT

Early caution from both teams. Benin dominate possession in the opening exchanges, while Botswana remain compact and disciplined at the back.

🕛 12:30 GMT

KICK-OFF: Benin vs Botswana is underway in Rabat as Matchday 6 of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 starts.

 

🕛 12:25 GMT

Players line up in the tunnel ahead of national anthems. Tension, focus and anticipation are written across faces — this is more than just another group match.

🕛 12:20 GMT

Final checks are completed by match officials. Both sides know that with Senegal and DR Congo looming, today’s result could define their AFCON 2025 journey.

🕛 12:15 GMT

Teams are moving through their warm-up routines on the pitch. Coaches and officials keep a close watch as players loosen up under the Rabat sun.

🕛 12:10 GMT

Benin and Botswana squads arrived on the pitch of the Rabat Olympic Stadium to applause from supporters after completing their warm-ups. Final tactical instructions are underway as the sense of occasion grows.

🕛 12:00 GMT

We are now 30 minutes away from kick-off. Per CAF regulations, both teams have arrived at the stadium shortly as final preparations are completed ahead of a pivotal Group D clash. The starting line-ups are ready for the game:

🕚 11:50 GMT

Team preparations continue behind closed doors. Coaches from both sides are expected to emphasise discipline and patience, knowing that conceding first could prove costly in a match of this magnitude.

🕚 11:40 GMT

The Rabat Olympic Stadium is beginning to welcome early supporters, with fans from both nations visible around the venue. Conditions are clear and ideal for football, with a lively but respectful atmosphere building.

🕚 11:30 GMT

Two teams, two contrasting needs: Benin searching for goals and composure in decisive moments; Botswana aiming to avoid history and claim their first-ever AFCON point or victory. The stage is set for a tense afternoon in Rabat.

🕚 11:20 GMT

This will be Benin’s third AFCON match against Southern African opposition, having previously lost to South Africa and drawn with Mozambique. Botswana, meanwhile, have faced only West African teams at AFCON — Benin become the fifth.

🕚 11:10 GMT

Botswana’s challenge will be to translate defensive resilience into attacking threat. They failed to register a shot on target in their opener, but the spirit shown under sustained pressure has earned respect inside the camp.

🕚 11:00 GMT

Benin head into the match with confidence in their ability to control possession. Against DR Congo they recorded 60% possession, the highest they have ever had in an AFCON match, with defender Olivier Verdon heavily involved in build-up play. Meanwhile, the dressing rooms are ready:

 

🕙 10:50 GMT

Group D context: Senegal sit comfortably after their opening win, while DR Congo also made a positive start. For Benin and Botswana, today feels close to a must-win if they are to keep realistic qualification hopes alive.

🕙 10:40 GMT

Defeat today would see Botswana lose their fifth straight AFCON match, a statistic they are desperate to avoid. Encouragingly, all of Botswana’s AFCON games have produced a winner — a sign that today’s contest could be open and decisive.

🕙 10:30 GMT

Botswana, meanwhile, are looking to respond after a difficult opening match against Senegal. The Zebras conceded three goals but their goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko made a record 14 saves, the most ever recorded in an AFCON match.

🕙 10:20 GMT

Benin arrive seeking to end a long AFCON drought — they are winless in 15 AFCON matches, the second-longest such run in tournament history. Their opening defeat to DR Congo came despite dominating possession, highlighting a need for sharper execution in the final third.

🕙 10:10 GMT

This is a historic occasion: Benin and Botswana meet for the first time ever, and it comes at a moment when both teams are under pressure after opening-round defeats. With Senegal and DR Congo setting the pace in Group D, points today could prove decisive.

🕙 10:05 GMT

Matchday 6 preparations are underway in Rabat as Benin and Botswana begin their build-up for a crucial Group D encounter. Both sides are still searching for their first-ever win at AFCON 2025, adding extra urgency to today’s contest. You can follow the live play-by-play updates of the match on the CAFOnline.com via the link here.

🔴 LIVE UPDATES — BENIN vs BOTSWANA (Group D)

Venue: Rabat Olympic Stadium, Rabat
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT

🕙 10:00 GMT

Good morning and a warm welcome to our live Matchday 6 blog from the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations here in Morocco. Thank you for joining us as the second round of group-stage matches continues today, Saturday 27 December 2025, with four compelling fixtures spread across the country.

Yesterday’s action raised the stakes significantly, with penalty drama in Rabat as hosts Morocco were held to a 1–1 draw by Mali, while Egypt strengthened their grip on Group B with a second straight victory. As a result, qualification pressure is mounting, margins are narrowing, and today’s matches could begin to shape the final knockout picture.

Throughout the day, we will bring you live updates in blog format, combining key match moments, official team news, atmosphere reports and competition-wide developments as they happen. All updates will follow a clear timeline and all kick-off times are listed in GMT for easy reference.

Our coverage begins with Benin vs Botswana at 12:30 GMT in Rabat, before moving on to heavyweight clashes involving Senegal, Nigeria and Tunisia later in the day. Stay with us as AFCON 2025 continues to deliver drama, urgency and defining moments.

 





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