Afcon 2025 LIVE: Zimbabwe v South Africa and Angola v Egypt updates as group stages reach climax
Zimbabwe vs South Africa team news
As expected, more or less full strength from both sides. South Africa still have work to do to qualify, while Zimbabwe will need to be at their best to cause a shock to next year’s World Cup participants.
Zimbabwe XI: Arubi; Galloway, Takwara, Garananga; Fabisch, Antonio, Nakamba, Msendami, Lunga; Dube, Maswanhise.
South Africa XI: Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Appollis, Mbule, Moremi; Foster.
Will Castle29 December 2025 15:14
Angola vs Egypt team news
With Egypt already through, Pharaohs boss Hosssam Hassan has made the bold decision to rotate heavily, resting the likes of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Angola XI: Marques; Modesto, Gaspar, Carmo, Fortuna; Maestro, Mukendi, Fredy; Luvumbo, Mabululu, Banza.
Egypt XI: Shobeir; Eid, Abdelmaguid, Sobhi, Aboul-Fetouh; Saber, Ismail, Lasheen; Mohsen, Adel, Mohamed.
Will Castle29 December 2025 15:10
Team news coming up
We’ll have confirmed team news from both of today’s games anytime from 3pm, so stay tuned!
Will Castle29 December 2025 14:59
Angola vs Egypt: Players to watch
Afcon’s most successful side Egypt are already into the knockouts but will be looking for an assured performance against Angola to ensure top spot.
The Pharaohs boast some of the best attacking players on the continent, with Liverpool superstar and captain Mohamed Salah their poster boy. He has already proved the difference in both games so far, coming up with a late winner against Zimbabwe before scoring the decisive penalty against South Africa. He is supported by Omar Marmoush of Manchester City in a blockbuster attack, while former Aston Villa winger Trezeguet can also do damage.
Lyon defender Clinton Mata is Angola’s prized commodity and will be tasked with thwarting Egypt’s powerful front line this afternoon. Up top, Gelson Dala is in fine scoring form after his goal against Zimbabwe, now joint-third with Manucho in the country’s all-time scoring ranks.
Mohamed Salah celebrate his winner against South Africa (AFP via Getty Images)
Will Castle29 December 2025 14:54
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Players to watch
South Africa are in their best period for over a decade and are staring down the barrel of their first World Cup in 15 years next summer, having not competed at the tournament’s finals since hosting in 2010.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster has been Bafana Bafana’s dangerman in recent times and despite a quiet outing against Egypt, he will be the man to watch against Zimbabwe. Vice-captain Teboho Mokoena, who starred for Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup last summer, will meanwhile look to control midfield.
Zimbabwe will lean on the leadership of their captain Marvelous Nakamba, who has Premier League experience under his belt at Aston Villa and Luton Town. Knowledge Musona will also have a spring in his step after moving joint-second with Adam Ndlovu in the nation’s all-time scoring chart with his equaliser against Angola. One of their more notable names, Wolves man Marshall Munetsi, was omitted from the Warriors’ Afcon squad over an injury – something that has been disputed by the player.
Lyle Foster celebrates his goal against Angola (AFP via Getty Images)
Will Castle29 December 2025 14:45
When Group B’s heavyweights met
Egypt took control of Group B when the Pharaohs met South Africa last time out, with Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty propelling 10-man Egypt to a 1-0 win over South Africa.
The result saw them become the first team into the knockout stages of the competition, leaving Bafana Bafana in a precarious position going into the third group game.
Here’s how it went down:
Will Castle29 December 2025 14:32
Last night: Ivory Coast and Cameroon share spoils in clash of Afcon heavyweights after freak own goal
Amad put Ivory Coast ahead after 51 minutes of the Group F encounter when he raced onto a long ball from deep and curled in a shot from the edge of the area.
The lead lasted just five minutes as Junior Tchamadeu’s shot took a wicked deflection off Ghislain Konan and looped into the net.
Here’s a full rundown of yesterday’s action:
Will Castle29 December 2025 14:20
What is the state of play in Group B?
It’s all still to play for in Group B.
The game to watch will be between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Bafana Bafana are in second place on three points and still have work to do to ensure their place in the round of 16, knowing a win guarantees progression.
Zimbabwe aren’t out of this yet, however, and could leapfrog South Africa with a shock win of their own. With a point to their name, they’re in the same spot as Angola, who will need to beat seven-time winners Egypt and hope Zimbabwe draw with South Africa to leap into the top two.
Egypt have already booked their ticket into the knockouts after Mohamed Salah’s penalty helped them beat South Africa last time out, but top spot is not yet secured. Should Bafana Bafana rack up the goals against Zimbabwe and Egypt lose, they’ll top the group and get a more favourable draw.
Here’s how Group B looks going into the third and final matchday:
1st: Egypt – 6 points, +2 GD
2nd: South Africa – 3 points, 0 GD
3rd: Angola – 1 point, -1 GD
4th: Zimbabwe – 1 point, -1 GD
Will Castle29 December 2025 14:08
How to watch every Afcon match for free on TV and online
The broadcaster has secured exclusive rights to the 24-team tournament and will show every game on Channel 4, E4 or 4Seven, or online on Channel 4’s streaming service.
Here’s where you can watch today’s Group B games:
Angola v Egypt: 4Seven / Channel 4 Streaming
Zimbabwe v South Africa: Channel 4 Sport YouTube
Will Castle29 December 2025 13:55
When are today’s matches in Group B?
With Group B reaching its climax this afternoon, both games will be played at the same time which will no doubt ensure maximum drama.
Both contests kick off at 4pm GMT, with Angola vs Egypt held at the Stade d’Agadir while Zimbabwe vs South Africa takes place at the Stade de Marrakech.
Will Castle29 December 2025 13:42
