AFCON Opens with Control, Chaos, and Comebacks

AFCON Opens with Control, Chaos, and Comebacks

The Africa Cup of Nations kicked off on Sunday, December 21, with a clash between the host, Morocco and Comoros. So far, four group matches have been played, and they underlined why AFCON remains one of football’s most unpredictable tournaments. From late drama to tactical dominance, the early statistics tell stories beyond the scorelines.

In Group A, Morocco’s 2–0 win over Comoros was a statement of authority. With 70% possession, 28 crosses, and seven shots on target, the Atlas Lions completely controlled the game. Comoros managed just two shots on target and no corners, spending most of the match in survival mode. Morocco’s discipline in chance creation and defensive structure makes them early favourites, not just in the group, but potentially in the tournament.

Also in Group A, Mali and Zambia played out a tense 1–1 draw that reflected balance rather than brilliance. Mali edged possession (53%) and registered more shots on target (5 to 2), but Zambia’s resilience paid off late as Patson Daka struck in stoppage time. The numbers show a closely fought contest—similar fouls, corners, and crosses—suggesting two sides still feeling their way into the tournament. Mali looked more proactive, but Zambia showed the value of patience and efficiency.

Group B delivered more drama. South Africa’s 2–1 victory over Angola was a classic case of efficiency versus volume. Angola dominated corners (9–1) and crosses (27–8), but South Africa made their moments count. Despite fewer attacking numbers, Bafana Bafana showed sharper decision-making in the final third, proving once again that dominance without end product is meaningless at this level.

Meanwhile, Egypt needed late heroics to overcome Zimbabwe 2–1. The Pharaohs enjoyed overwhelming control—77% possession, 30 crosses, and 24 total shots—but were vulnerable on the break and trailed for much of the game. Zimbabwe defended deep and relied on counters, forcing Egypt’s goalkeeper into fewer saves than expected. Mohamed Salah’s late winner rescued the result, but the stats expose defensive transitions Egypt must fix going forward.

Matchday One continues with a compelling run of fixtures across Groups C, D, E, and F, as teams look to set the tone early in the competition. In Group D, DR Congo face Benin (Dec 23, 1:30 pm) in what promises to be a tactical battle, before Senegal take on Botswana later the same day (4:00 pm). Senegal enters as clear favourites on paper, but AFCON history warns against complacency, especially against sides willing to defend deep and play on the counter. Early points in this group could prove decisive, making both fixtures crucial for momentum.

Attention then shifts to Group C, where Nigeria clash with Tanzania (Dec 23, 6:30pm) in a match that will test Nigeria’s attacking efficiency against Tanzania’s organisation and physical discipline. The group’s opening round concludes with Tunisia vs Uganda (9:00pm), a game that balances Tunisia’s experience and structured approach against Uganda’s energy and direct style. In Group E, fixtures resume on December 24 with Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea (1:30pm), followed by Algeria vs Sudan (4:00pm), as Algeria look to reassert dominance while avoiding the pitfalls of underestimating their opponents. Matchday One wraps up in Group F, where hosts Ivory Coast face Mozambique (6:30pm) before Cameroon meet Gabon (9:00pm) in a Central African derby that promises intensity, pride, and a potentially explosive finish to the opening round.