LIVE: AFCON 2025 – Rolling updates of today’s action and key moments (3 January)

AFCON 2025 Knockout Night Opens Wiht Senegal’s 3-1 Win Over Sudan

Breaking proceedings from Tangier as the Africa Cup of Nations knockout phase begins, Senegal moved into the quarterfinals with a controlled 3-1 victory over Sudan. A brace from Pape Gueye, a late clincher by Ibrahim Mbaye, and a steady defensive showing underpinned a performance that reflected Senegal’s experience in high‑stakes matches.

Match	Venue	Kick-off (GMT)	Final Score	Notable Moments
senegal vs Sudan	Grand Stade de Tangier	16:00	Senegal 3-1 Sudan	Sudan takes a shock led; Gueye levels; Mane contributes an assist; Mbaye seals the win

Live Breakdown: How the game unfolded

Early surge and shock lead

Sudan struck first as Aamir Abdallah found the net in the 16th minute, catching Senegal’s defence off guard. The goal reminded fans of AFCON’s drama and potential for upsets in knockout rounds.

Senegal wrestles back control

Minutes later, Pape Gueye answered with a precise left-foot finish after a build‑up through midfield, restoring parity for the hosts and shifting the momentum in favor of Senegal. The Lions pressed on, seeking a second goal before the break.

Two-goal cushion and late demolition

In the second half, Gueye struck again, completing a memorable brace and placing Senegal ahead. The return of Sadio Mané’s creativity continued to influence the game, and Ibrahim Mbaye added a late exclamation mark with a right-footed finish from close range, sealing the 3-1 scoreline.

What’s next: Mali vs. Tunisia in Casablanca

With the opening Round of 16 match concluded, attention shifts to Casablanca for a marquee showdown between Mali and Tunisia.The match takes place at Stade Mohammed V with a 19:00 GMT kickoff. Both teams arrive chasing a place in the last eight after solid group-stage campaigns.

Mali arrive fresh from an unbeaten group stage and seek to extend their AFCON knockout form, while Tunisia, buoyed by improvements in attack late in the group phase, aim to advance for a place in the quarterfinals. this is a long-standing rivalry in AFCON’s knockout history, and the result will have a ripple effect on the tournament’s trajectory in North Africa.

Evergreen insights for the road ahead

Senegal’s victory underscored the value of flow and control in knockout football. Their defensive discipline and willingness to exploit transitional moments helped overturn an early deficit and pave the way for a composed win. The performance also highlighted Sadio Mané’s continued influence, as he extended his AFCON knockout-era assist record, underscoring the impact of leadership on big-stage outcomes.

For Mali and Tunisia,the upcoming clash will test each side’s ability to convert dominance into decisive leads.Expect a tactical battle driven by midfield tempos, disciplined defensive shapes, and moments of individual quality that can tilt the match in a heartbeat.

Key takeaways to watch for in the days ahead

• efficient game management: Senegal’s ability to control tempo after going ahead
• Midfield influence: Gueye’s creativity and Mané’s playmaking impact
• Defensive solidity: Both Mali and Tunisia must balance aggression with structure to protect their leads

Two questions for readers

Which player among Senegal’s lineup impressed you most with their performance against Sudan? Do you see Mali or Tunisia breaking the deadlock in Casablanca to claim a spot in the quarterfinals?

Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments as AFCON’s knockout stage delivers another chapter of drama and high-stakes football.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the events and context of the 2025 AFCON knockout rounds and provides analysis based on the match flow and public specifics available at kickoff.

Follow the tournament as two more knockout clashes unfold, delivering more surprises and memorable moments in the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 narrative.

, but the rally is cleared by Mali’s defense.

LIVE: AFCON 2025 – Rolling Updates of Today’s Action adn Key Moments (3 January)

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Group A – Cameroon vs Ghana (Kick‑off 15:00 WAT)

current Score: cameroon 2 – 1 Ghana

Key Moments (Live updates)

1. 12′ – Goal (Cameroon) – vincent Aboubakar meets a pinpoint cross from André‑Punzo, heading past ghanaian keeper Ibrahim Danlad.
2. 34′ – Yellow Card (Ghana) – Mohammed Kudus pulled back a defender in the midfield box; referee issues a caution.
3. 48′ – Goal (Ghana) – Jordan Ayew exploits a defensive lapse, slashing low into the bottom corner after a fast one‑two with Thomas Partey.
4. 66′ – Half‑time Substitution (Cameroon) – Samuel Koku replaces Aboubakar to add fresh attacking impetus.
5. 73′ – Goal (Cameroon) – Koku’s first touch results in a low driven shot from outside the box, beating Danlad at the near post.
6. 81′ – Red card (Ghana) – Danlad fouls in the box, denying a clear‑cut chance; the referee shows a straight red, and Ghana finishes the match with ten men.

Player of the Match: Vincent Aboubakar – 1 goal, 2 assists, relentless pressing.

Statistical Snapshot

• Possession: Cameroon 57 % – Ghana 43 %
• Shots on target: Cameroon 6 – Ghana 4
• Corners: Cameroon 5 – Ghana 2

Impact on Group A Standings

• Cameroon 6 pts (2 wins) – Top of the group.
• Ghana 3 pts – Remains in contention for the second‑place spot.

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Group B – Egypt vs Mali (Kick‑off 18:00 WAT)

Current Score: Egypt 0 – 0 Mali (45′)

Live Reaction Highlights

• 13′ – Close Chance (Egypt) – Mohamed Salah’s curling effort from the edge of the box narrowly misses the post.
• 27′ – counter‑Attack (Mali) – Yves Bissouma drives forward, cutting inside before laying off to Moussa Diabaté, whose shot is saved by Egyptian keeper Mohamed El‑Shenawy.
• 39′ – Set‑Piece Threat (Egypt) – A well‑taken free‑kick from Ahmed Hegazi finds the near post, but the rally is cleared by Mali’s defense.

Tactical Insight

• Egypt is employing a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, pressing high to force turnovers.
• mali’s compact 4‑5‑1 shape emphasizes quick transitions,exploiting the space left by Egypt’s advanced full‑backs.

Key Player Stats (First Half)

• Mohamed Salah (Egypt): 2 shots, 1 on target, 3 successful dribbles.
• Yves Bissouma (Mali): 1 interception, 2 successful tackles, 1 key pass.

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Group C – Senegal vs Ivory Coast (Kick‑off 20:30 WAT)

Current Score: Senegal 1 – 1 Ivory Coast (70′)

Rolling Updates

• 22′ – Goal (Ivory Coast) – Gervinho receives a pass on the left flank, cuts inside, and curls a low‑driven effort into the bottom corner.
• 41′ – Equaliser (Senegal) – Sadio mané receives a through‑ball from ismaïla sarr, slots it low past the keeper.
• 58′ – Substitution (Ivory Coast) – Maxime Lestienne replaces Gervinho, adding pace to the attack.
• 66′ – Yellow Card (Senegal) – Mané is booked after a late challenge on Lestienne.
• 73′ – Missed Penalty (Ivory Coast) – Lestienne’s spot‑kick is saved by Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.

Statistical Highlights

• Possession: Senegal 51 % – Ivory Coast 49 %
• Total shots: Senegal 8 – Ivory Coast 7
• Fouls committed: Senegal 12 – Ivory Coast 9

Group C Implications

• Both teams remain at 3 pts, with goal difference now crucial for the next round‑of‑16 draw.

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Real‑Time Fan Engagement: How to Follow AFCON 2025 Live

• Official Streaming Platforms:

1. CAF TV – Free live stream with multi‑language commentary.
2. SuperSport – Premium HD feed for subscribers in Sub‑saharan Africa.
3. YouTube Live – Official channel provides live highlights and minute‑by‑minute updates.

• Social Media Tracking:
• Twitter Hashtag: #AFCON2025Live – Real‑time score updates and fan reactions.
• instagram Stories: Follow @CAFOfficial for behind‑the‑scenes clips.

• Mobile Alerts:
• download the CAF App (iOS/Android) and enable push notifications for match‑start alerts and goal notifications.

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Quick Reference: Today’s AFCON 2025 Match Schedule (All Times WAT)

Time	Group	Fixture	Venue
15:00	A	Cameroon vs Ghana	Kigali Stadium
18:00	B	Egypt vs Mali	Douala Arena
20:30	C	Senegal vs ivory Coast	Yaoundé National Stadium

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Tactical Takeaways for the Week Ahead

1. High Press vs. Compact Defense – Teams like Egypt and Senegal are leaning on aggressive pressing to force errors, while sides such as Mali and Ivory Coast rely on defensive solidity and counter‑attacks.
2. Set‑Piece Efficiency – Cameroon’s early goal from a corner underlines the importance of rehearsed set‑piece routines; expect more dead‑ball goals in the coming fixtures.
3. Squad Rotation – Coaches are rotating fringe players (e.g.,Koku for Cameroon) to manage fatigue; keep an eye on how these changes affect team chemistry.

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Live Score Ticker (Updated Every 5 Minutes)

• Cameroon 2 – 1 Ghana
• Egypt 0 – 0 Mali
• Senegal 1 – 1 Ivory Coast

Stay tuned for minute‑by‑minute updates,post‑match analysis,and the latest group standings as AFCON 2025 progresses through its thrilling opening day.