Day 8 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations delivered drama, history and moments of individual brilliance as the group stage continued to take shape in Morocco.
From last-gasp penalties and unwanted records to spectacular goals and early eliminations, the tournament once again reminded fans why AFCON remains one of the most unpredictable competitions in world football.
Here are four memorable moments from Day 8 of AFCON 2025.
South Africa may have qualified for the AFCON 2025 round of 16, but they managed to do so only by the skin of their teeth.
While many had expected them to thrash Zimbabwe comprehensively, the reality was hugely contrasting. Zimbabwe were a threat on the counter attack, and rightly scored two goals of their own. It forced Bafana Bafana to dig very deep to get a win in the end.
South Africa took a well deserved lead ihrough Tshepang Moremi, Zimbabwe equalised with a well taken individual goal by Tawanda Maswanhise.
Bafana took the lead once more through Lyle Foster’s goal, but Maswanhise’s brilliant run and cross forced an own goal by Aubrey Modiba.
South Africa needed a late winning penalty by Oswin Appolis to give them all the three points. They are now in the round of 16, where they will be taking on whoever finishes second in group F.
Zimbabwe have been knocked out, but they can certainly be proud of their campaign. Even more impressive considering the fact they lacked some of their key players, such as Marshal Munetsi.
Zambia were well beaten 3-0 by hosts Morocco in their final group A match on Monday night. Two goals by Ayoub El Kaabi and a brilliant effort by Brahim Diaz consigned them to finish bottom of the group.
With the loss, it now means their winless streak at the AFCON stage has extended to 13 games. The last time they won a game at the competition was in 2012, when they beat Ghana 1-0 in the semi finals. It was a competition they later went on to win.
That 13-game winless streak is the longest recorded by a former champion.
Ayoub El Kaabi has become an increasingly important member of the Atlas Lions. His rise to prominence has been remarkable. After shining for Morocco at CHAN 2018, he earned a move abroad to Olympiacos.
He has been scoring for fun in Greece, and that form has translated onto the main stage. The former Wydad Casablaca man scored a beauty bicycle kick during their opening 2-0 win over Comoros. He scored yet another bicycle kick against Zambia during their 3-0 win. On top of that, he also scored another header. This now puts him firmly in the race for the golden boot race.
It was the end of the road for both Angola and Comoros, who failed to win any of their group stage games at AFCON 2025.
Angola took the game to Egypt but could not find a way to make their chances count. Comoros also did well against Mali and Zambia in their second game, but had to settle for draws.
They have now joined Botswana and Gabon as nations who have already been eliminated from the tournament with a game to spare.
As AFCON 2025 edges closer to the knockout stages, the margins continue to get thinner. Late penalties, record-breaking droughts, moments of pure brilliance and painful exits are all becoming part of the tournament’s growing narrative.
