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Mozambique approached the match against Gabon with a rare mix of composure and urgency. The 1-0 defeat against Ivory Coast had provided positive indicators and, above all, the conviction that the team could compete at this level without simply defending. This understanding was evident in how the Mambas started: more aggressive in their play, clearer in their build-up play, and quicker to occupy the final third.

Witi had an opportunity that could have opened the scoring, but his inability to finish with his right foot momentarily prolonged an old ghost. But this time Mozambique did not allow itself to be held back by memories.

Gabon's first half was described as weak, and the Mozambicans knew how to punish them: Geny Catamo took a corner with precision, and Faisal headed it in at 37 minutes. Five minutes later, in a move that exposed Gabonese nerves, Domingues recovered the ball and fell in the area, allowing Catamo to convert the penalty to make it 0-2.

The dream took shape and even hit the post with a shot from Guima, but the story wouldn't be clean: Aubameyang took advantage of an incomplete save and reduced the deficit in the 45+5th minute, putting Gabon back in the game at the worst possible moment for the team that was on top. The Mozambican reaction, however, was mature.

In the second half, Witi was again decisive with a cross, and Diogo Calila headed in the 1-3 goal in the 52nd minute – a rare goal in its style but precious for its function. From then on, Gabon pushed forward, and Mozambique retreated to defend. Mbaba made numerous saves, but Moussounda pulled one back in the 76th minute, and the end became a test of endurance.

Geny also saw a goal disallowed for offside in stoppage time, but victory did not slip away. It was Mozambique's first ever win in a CAN finals tournament and, with it, the real possibility of dreaming of a historic qualification.

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The match between Equatorial Guinea and Sudan began with the urgency typical of a team that lost its opening game. Equatorial Guinea took control early on and created the best chances of the first half, especially with Pedro Obiang who came close to scoring but shot over the bar after a defensive error.

Despite territorial dominance, the match was marked by interruptions, frustration, and poor quality in the final third. In the second half, Equatorial Guinea threatened first again: substitute José Nabil came on and, in a quick counter-attack, shot just wide of the post.

Sudan reacted with discipline and patience, choosing the right moment. Around the 60th minute, Mohamed Eisa saw a shot cleared off the line by Esteban Orozco. This opportunity arose in the 74th minute from a set piece that ended in an own goal by Saúl Coco, an unfortunate deflection that ultimately decided the match.

From that moment on, Sudan closed down spaces, controlled the pace, and even came close to extending their lead. The victory, surprising given Equatorial Guinea's dominance, reopened the scoring in Group E for a team that rarely finds room for error.

Equatorial Guinea, who dominated but failed to convert their chances, suffered the typical punishment of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations: those who don't score when they should pay the price with details, and are now forced to achieve an improbable result against Algeria.

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Nigeria secured their place in the round of 16 with a 3-2 victory over Tunisia, in a match where Nigerian superiority was evident, but never entirely comfortable. The game started evenly, with plenty of contested action and few goals.

Victor Osimhen, after a first half marked by persistent attacks with missed headers and a disallowed goal, opened the scoring in the 44th minute, heading in a cross from Ademola Lookman. In the second half, Nigeria pressed forward and scored early: Wilfred Ndidi made it 2-0 in the 50th minute, also with a header following a corner taken by Lookman.

The game seemed to be going smoothly, but Tunisia never accepted the role of mere extra. Nigeria scored their third goal in the 67th minute with Lookman finishing, but Tunisia pulled one back in the 74th minute with Talbi heading in a free-kick from Mejbri, and then in the 87th minute, Abdi converted a penalty, putting the pressure back on the Nigerian side.

Ferjani Sassi came close to equalizing, and Nigeria was forced to manage the final minutes with maximum focus. The victory confirmed a strong record in the group stage and left Tunisia still in contention, albeit by a narrow margin.

Zaidu was left on the bench, a detail that underscores how, in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, physical and tactical management choices are as important as talent. Nigeria qualified, but also received a warning: dominating is not enough if there are lapses in concentration.

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Uganda and Tanzania entered the game with the same weight on their shoulders: the defeat in the first round left both with the obligation to score points and show an emotional and tactical response. Uganda started better, more aggressive in their pressing and close to scoring. Allan Okello and Mato had great opportunities, with Tanzania seeming trapped in their own area.

Tanzania's response was almost always on the counter-attack, and Msuva missed the target in one of the few clear opportunities of the first half. The goalless first half reflected Uganda's lack of effectiveness and Tanzania's inability to escape the pressure. However, the second half was a different story.

Tanzania started with more intensity and were rewarded with a penalty after Msanga's shot was deflected by Alhassan's hand. Msuva took the penalty and made it 0-1 in the 58th minute. Uganda, however, responded with pressure and crosses until they equalized: Denis Omedi set up Uche Ikpeazu, who headed in at the far post for 1-1. From then on, the game became a series of nerve-wracking moments.

Uganda had the perfect opportunity to turn the game around with a penalty, but Okello shot over the bar. Tanzania then also wasted a clear goal opportunity, with M'Mombwa missing from close range.

The draw leaves everything open for the final matchday, with Uganda facing Nigeria and Tanzania taking on Tunisia, in a scenario where any slip-up could be fatal and any point could be salvation.

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Senegal entered the match against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with prestige and confidence. In the first half, this favoritism was evident in their offensive volume: nine shots on goal against the DRC before halftime. The problem was their finishing.

Sadio Mané came close to scoring from a free-kick that deceived goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, but went just wide, and Pape Gueye tried from distance, with Mpasi making a quality save. On the other side, the DRC also showed they could bite: Wan-Bissaka even put the ball in the back of the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside, keeping the game balanced.

The second half confirmed that the game would not be a simple narrative. The first goal came early for the Leopards: Cédric Bakambu took advantage of an incomplete save by Édouard Mendy and tapped in for 0-1. The response was immediate and inevitable: Mané, who had already threatened, deflected the ball into the net to equalize and open his scoring in the tournament.

From then on, Senegal looked closer to winning again, but the game entered a less intense phase, with the DRC defending and Senegal managing their energy. The draw keeps Senegal top of the group, ahead only on goal difference, and keeps the DRC in contention for qualification.

For a team that aspires to go far, Senegal confirmed an essential characteristic in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations: even when not at its best, it finds a way to avoid defeat. For the Democratic Republic of Congo, the interpretation is equally positive: it withstood the initial pressure, scored first, and came away with a point that could be very valuable.

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Benin entered the match against Botswana with an uncomfortable historical burden: they had never won in regulation time in past Africa Cup of Nations appearances. The game began with a clear sign that the team did not want to repeat history. In the fourth minute, Tosin Aiyegun scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Far from faltering, Benin maintained control and patiently continued to look for openings until they found the decisive moment. The goal came from Yohan Roche in the 28th minute, with a right-footed shot placed into the top corner, reflecting Benin's dominance and superior organization.

Botswana had their most dangerous moment before halftime, with a free kick just outside the area that Mothusi Johnson sent against the crossbar, a chance that could have changed the course of the match. In the second half, Benin controlled the first 20 minutes more clearly, with longer possession and better use of the flanks.

Tamimou Ouorou came close to scoring a second goal in the 65th minute and threatened again shortly afterwards. The problem for Benin was failing to finish the game off: the narrow lead required them to remain focused until the end, even when Botswana struggled to create clear chances.

Still, the 1-0 victory was enough to put Benin back in the race, leaving them level on points with Senegal and DRC before the head-to-head clash between the group's main contenders.

For Botswana, the scenario has become bleak: with yet another defeat, they entered the final stretch practically needing a miracle. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, here, repeated its silent rule: whoever breaks a cycle gains not only points, but confidence.

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Algeria took a firm step towards qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by beating Burkina Faso 1-0. Competent management of the lead and competitive maturity were crucial. In a balanced and intense game, with physical duels in midfield, the Desert Warriors quickly resolved a test of patience.

The first half proved decisive. Burkina Faso started aggressively, disrupting Algeria's build-up play and imposing a physical game, resulting in cards in the opening minutes. Algeria responded with more clinical passing, looking for Mahrez between the lines. The match took a more favorable turn for the Algerians in the 23rd minute after a penalty.

Riyad Mahrez converted with class, putting Algeria ahead and reinforcing their lead in the competition. The goal changed the game's dynamic. Burkina Faso tried to react offensively, but struggled to create clear chances against the well-organized Algerian defense. Algeria preferred to slow the pace, control the game, and protect their narrow lead, avoiding unnecessary exposure.

However, they remained dangerous on quick transitions, thanks to Amoura's mobility and Bennacer's positional intelligence in midfield. In the second half, Burkina Faso took more risks, making substitutions and pressing higher up the pitch. Despite their territorial dominance, they lacked effectiveness and clarity in their final decisions.

Algeria held firm, closed down spaces, won duels, and maintained composure, even in the final minutes when the game became fragmented and more emotional. With this victory, Algeria strengthens its bid for first place in the group at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, confirming the consistency of a talented and disciplined team.

For Burkina Faso, the defeat demands a strong response in the final match, where the margin for error is minimal.