The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has seen significant developments in the group stages, with several teams securing their spots in the Round of 16. Senegal has underlined their title credentials with a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin, while DR Congo has secured second place in Group D with a 3-0 win over Botswana.
In the match between Senegal and Benin, Abdoulaye Seck scored the opening goal in the 38th minute, heading home a set piece from Krépin Diatta. Senegal doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute, with Sadio Mané providing a neat pass for Habib Diallo to finish with a composed left-footed strike. Despite being reduced to ten men after Kalidou Koulibaly’s red card, Senegal sealed the win with a penalty from Cherif Ndiaye in stoppage time.
DR Congo’s Gael Kakuta delivered a masterclass performance, scoring twice and providing an assist in their 3-0 victory over Botswana. Kakuta’s audacious backheel assist released Nathaniel Mbuku to break the deadlock, before the experienced playmaker calmly converted a penalty and later completed his brace.
In other matches, Tanzania and Tunisia played to a 1-1 draw, with Feisal Salum curling a fine effort from the edge of the area to equalize for the Taifa Stars. The result secured Tunisia’s qualification to the Round of 16, while Tanzania preserved a strong chance of progression as one of the best third-placed teams.
Nigeria confirmed their place at the top of Group C with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Uganda, ending the latter’s campaign in the competition. Paul Onuachu opened the scoring for the Super Eagles, before Raphael Onyedika doubled the lead and completed his brace. Rogers Mato pulled one back for Uganda, but Nigeria managed the closing stages professionally to secure the win.
The results have significant implications for the group standings, with several teams securing their spots in the Round of 16. The competition is expected to intensify as the teams progress to the knockout stages, with the top teams vying for the coveted title. The next stage of the competition promises to be exciting, with the teams looking to improve their performance and make a strong impression.
