Matches will continue at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday after Morocco kicked the tournament open with a 2-0 win over Comoros at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Actions on day two of the tournament will begin at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, with the second Group A match between two unfamiliar foes, 2012 champions Zambia and the Eagles of Mali.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Mali coach Tom Saintfiet said, “Our first task will be against Zambia, which is considered one of the best teams in Africa. What matters to us are the three points. We must respect all our opponents and stay focused throughout the match.”

Zambia head coach Musa Sichone expressed optimism ahead of the match, saying the players are well-prepared for a strong start at the AFCON.

“We are aiming for a good start in the tournament. All players are well-prepared, fit, and ready to play,” he stated. “We will take it step by step. I have the honour of participating in the Africa Cup of Nations as both a player and a coach, and for me, participating in this tournament is about achieving results, not just playing.”

Later in the day, South Africa will take on Angola at the Marrakech Stadium in the opening Group B match.

This would be the fifth meeting between the two sides at the AFCON finals, with Bafana Bafana recording two wins and two draws in the previous four matches.

“It is very important we win that first game. I think you make a big step for qualification for later or to survive the group stages. So again, we will try to win it and to put ourselves in a good position for the second game against Egypt,” South Africa head coach, Hugo Broos, said ahead of the match.

On the other hand, Angola coach Patrice Beaumelle said he is not concerned about his side’s poor statistics against South Africa in recent years, stating, “Every competition is different, and for us the target is not only to play and beat South Africa but to start on a good note and see what happens from there. AFCON is a long tournament, and we have to start well.”

Meanwhile, Egypt and Zimbabwe will bring the matchday to a close with the second Group B game at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir. The Pharaohs are among the favourites on paper to win this tournament alongside Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and others.

After the recent disappointment of losing the finals of the 2017 and 2021 tournaments, the Egyptians would be seeking to cross the finish line in Morocco, and the game against Zimbabwe provides the opportunity to make a statement.

“The opening match is always important in the Africa Cup of Nations. It gives confidence and strong motivation for the remainder of the group stage and the tournament as a whole,” Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan told reporters at a pre-match press conference on Sunday. “The current tournament includes strong national teams, but we are ready to compete for the title.”

Zimbabwe’s gaffer, Marian Marinica, admitted that the country faces a tough challenge against Egypt.

“Both teams reached the finals, so we deserve to be here, and our main target is to reach the next round. We are ready to face Egypt’s strong side,” said Marinica.