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MATCH STATS: Zimbabwe vs South Africa

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MATCH STATS: Zimbabwe vs South Africa

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Group B

 

Image credit: CAFonline

 

Southern African neighbors Zimbabwe and South Africa will meet on 29 December at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in their final Group B match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Kick-off is at 17h00 local time (16h00 GMT), with both teams harboring hopes of progressing to the round of 16, reports CAFonline.

 

This will be the first meeting between the two nations at the AFCON finals.

 

This will be the 20th overall meeting between the sides. Zimbabwe have recorded six wins, South Africa eight victories, with five matches ending in draws.

 

South Africa have scored 21 goals to Zimbabwe’s 16 across their previous 19 encounters.

 

For South Africa, this will be their fourth AFCON match against a neighboring country. They previously defeated Namibia in group-stage matches in 1998, 2019 and 2023.

 

Zimbabwe are facing a neighboring country at AFCON for the first time.

 

This will be Zimbabwe’s third AFCON match against a Southern African opponent. They lost a group-stage game against Malawi (2–1) in 2021 and drew against Angola at the current edition.

 

Zimbabwe and South Africa first met in a 1994 AFCON qualifier, with Zimbabwe recording a 4–1 victory on 16 August 1992 in Harare. Neither side qualified for the finals in Tunisia.

 

The teams have met six times in FIFA World Cup qualifying, with South Africa winning four matches and the other two ending in draws.

 

They were drawn together in qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, with South Africa winning both matches – 2–0 away and 2–1 at home – before going on to qualify for the tournament in Korea/Japan.

 

In 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Zimbabwe hosted the first meeting, which ended 0–0, before South Africa won the return fixture 2–0 at home. Neither team qualified for Qatar 2022.

 

The sides most recently met in 2024 FIFA World Cup qualifying. South Africa won 3–1 at home on 11 June 2024, while the return fixture on 10 October 2025, Zimbabwe’s home match played in Durban, ended in a 0–0 draw.

 

South Africa qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Zimbabwe finished bottom of their qualifying group.

 

South Africa are unbeaten in their last four matches against Zimbabwe (W2 D2).

 

Zimbabwe’s last victory over South Africa was a 2–1 win in a friendly international on 10 September 2013 in Johannesburg, when Knowledge Musona and Cuthbert Malajila put the Warriors 2–0 ahead before Bernard Parker scored for South Africa.

 

A goal for Musona in this match would be his fourth against South Africa, moving him ahead of former South Africa striker Shaun Bartlett and Zimbabwe striker Peter Ndlovu, who have each scored three goals in this fixture.

 

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS

OVERALL
Zimbabwe: P19 W6 D5 L8 GF16 GA21 GD-5
South Africa: P19 W8 D5 L6 GF21 GA16 GD+5

 

Zimbabwe – Key Statistics

  • Zimbabwe earned their first points of the 2025 AFCON with a 1–1 draw against Angola in their last match.
  • They are winless after their opening two matches and have never managed to win either of their first two games at AFCON.
  • Zimbabwe’s record in their third group match at AFCON reads P5 W3 D0 L2.
  • All of Zimbabwe’s AFCON victories have come on matchday three. In 2004, they recorded their first finals win with a 2–1 victory over Algeria, while in 2006 and 2021 they also won 2–1 against Ghana and Guinea respectively.
  • They lost their final group match in 2017, a 4–2 defeat to Tunisia, and again in 2019, losing 4–0 to DR Congo.
  • Zimbabwe suffered their heaviest AFCON defeat in their final group match in 2019, a 4–0 loss against DR Congo.
  • In 17 AFCON matches, Zimbabwe are yet to keep a clean sheet, the longest run by any team at AFCON without a clean sheet from their first appearance.
  • Their matchday three victory over Guinea remains their only win in their last 11 AFCON matches.
  • Zimbabwe have scored in both of their matches at AFCON 2025, but have never scored in all three group matches at an AFCON finals.
  • They have scored in each of their last four AFCON matches, their longest scoring run at the finals.
  • Victory in this match would see Zimbabwe progress to the round of 16 for the first time.
  • Knowledge Musona scored in the draw against Angola and is now the second Zimbabwean to score three goals at AFCON, alongside Peter Ndlovu.
  • At 35 years old, Musona is Zimbabwe’s oldest goalscorer at the AFCON finals.
  • Musona attempted five shots against Angola; across the last four AFCON tournaments, only Khama Billiat (six) has recorded more shots in a single match for Zimbabwe.
  • Zimbabwe’s starting XI against Angola had an average age of 30 years and 115 days, their oldest starting lineup across their last four AFCON finals appearances.

 

South Africa – Key Statistics

  • South Africa opened their campaign with a win against Angola before losing 1–0 to Egypt.
  • They have won just one of their last five AFCON matches in open play (D3 L1).
  • South Africa’s last four group-stage wins at AFCON have all come against COSAFA member nations, with two against Angola and two against Namibia.
  • They last won a group-stage match against a team from outside Southern Africa in 2004, defeating Benin in their opening game.
  • Their record in final group matches reads P11 W2 D5 L4.
  • South Africa are winless in their third group match across the last seven AFCON finals (D4 L3).
  • They last won their final group match in a must-win encounter against Morocco in 2002, a 3–1 victory with goals from Siyabonga Nomvethe, Thabo Mngomeni and Sibusiso Zuma.
  • Aside from that win against Morocco in 2002, their only other victory in a final group match came against Namibia in 1998, a 4–1 win.
  • Benni McCarthy scored all four of South Africa’s goals in the 4–1 win over Namibia in their final group match in 1998.
  • They have kept a clean sheet just once in their final group match, a 0–0 draw against Tunisia at the previous edition.
  • South Africa have failed to score in their final group match at the last two AFCON editions, losing 1–0 to Morocco in 2019 and drawing 0–0 with Tunisia in 2023.
  • A win or a draw in this match will see South Africa progress to the round of 16.
  • Should they progress, South Africa would reach the knockout stages for the eighth time, following appearances in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2013, 2019 and 2023.
  • In their last four AFCON appearances, South Africa have failed to reach the knockout rounds once, in 2015, while progressing in 2013, 2019 and 2023.
  • Progression would see them reach the round of 16 for a third successive edition.
  • Should they progress, it would be the second time South Africa have reached the knockout rounds in three consecutive appearances, having previously done so in four successive tournaments between 1996 and 2002.
  • Elimination would see South Africa exit at the group stage for a fifth time, following eliminations in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2015.
  • Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams featured in his 13th AFCON match against Egypt, the most by a South African goalkeeper, overtaking André Arendse.
  • Williams’ next AFCON appearance would see him draw level with Shaun Bartlett on 14 AFCON matches, the fourth most by a South African player, behind John Moshoeu (19), Lucas Radebe (17) and Mark Fish and Helman Mkhalele (both 16).
  • South Africa recorded their highest possession figure at AFCON since 2013, with 63.8% against Egypt.
  • They attempted 17 shots in the second half against Egypt, their highest tally in either half of an AFCON match across their last five appearances.
  • Aubrey Modiba recorded 94 touches against Egypt, the most of any player in the match.
  • Teboho Mokoena completed 72 passes against Egypt, the most in the match, from 80 attempts, registering a passing accuracy of 90%.
  • Mokoena also attempted four shots against Egypt.
  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi attempted six tackles against Egypt and won four of them, with no player winning more tackles in the match.

 

 

MATCH STATS: Gabon vs Mozambique

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MATCH STATS: Gabon vs Mozambique

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Group F

 

Image credit: CAFonline

 

Gabon and Mozambique both suffered defeat in their opening Group F matches and will be targeting their first win at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations when they meet in their second fixture at the Grand Stade d’Agadir on 28 December. Kick-off is at 13h30 local time (12h30 GMT), reports CAFonline.

 

This will be the first meeting between the two nations at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

 

They have met seven times previously in all competitions, with Gabon winning four matches, Mozambique two, and one ending in a draw.

 

Their most recent encounters came during 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, where the home side won 1-0 in each match, with neither team qualifying for the finals in Russia.

 

They also met in qualifying for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, with Gabon winning 3-1 at home before the return fixture in Mozambique ended in a 1-1 draw.

 

Since that draw in 1994, their last four meetings have all produced a winner, with each side recording two victories. All seven of their previous meetings have seen goals scored.

 

PAST MEETINGS

OVERALL
Gabon: P7 W4 D1 L2 GF8 GA4 GD+4
Mozambique: P7 W2 D1 L4 GF4 GA8 GD-4

 

Gabon – Key Statistics

  • Lost their opening match 1-0 against Cameroon.
  • Their seven-match unbeaten run at AFCON came to an end (W1 D6).
  • The defeat ended a six-game unbeaten run in AFCON group matches; their previous group-stage loss was in 2015 against Equatorial Guinea.
  • Are now winless in their last four AFCON matches.
  • Have won just one of their last 10 AFCON games (D6 L3), the only victory coming against Comoros in their opening match in 2021.
  • Their record in second group matches at AFCON reads P8 W2 D3 L3.
  • Have lost their opening group match three times previously: 1994, 1996 and 2000.
  • After losing their opener, they lost their second group match in 1994 and 2000 but won it in 1996.
  • Are winless in their second group match in their last three AFCON appearances (D2 L1).
  • Last won their second group match in 2012, when they opened with back-to-back victories over Niger and Morocco.
  • The only other time they won their second group match after losing the opener was in 1996.
  • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came on as a substitute against Cameroon, making his 15th AFCON appearance across five tournaments.
  • Aubameyang’s AFCON appearances span 15 years, across tournaments in Southern, Central and North Africa.
  • Aubameyang is on a six-match winless run at AFCON (D3 L3), last winning in Gabon’s opening match against Burkina Faso in 2015.
  • Didier Ndong had a game-high 98 touches against Cameroon, attempted 72 passes and completed 63 (87.5%).
  • Bruno Ecuele Manga completed 65 passes against Cameroon, the most in the match.

 

Mozambique – Key Statistics

  • Lost their opening match 1-0 against Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Have now gone 16 AFCON matches without a win (D4 L12).
  • Are the first team to go through their first 16 AFCON matches without recording a victory.
  • Have never avoided defeat in their second group match at AFCON, losing all five previous such games.
  • This was the third time they began an AFCON campaign with a loss, having also done so in 1986 and 1998.
  • On both previous occasions when they lost their opening match (1986 and 1998), they went on to lose all three group matches.
  • None of their 16 AFCON matches have ended goalless.
  • Are still searching for their first clean sheet at the Africa Cup of Nations.
  • Completed 404 passes against Côte d’Ivoire, their highest total across the last two AFCON tournaments.
  • Reinaldo Mandava completed 70 passes against Côte d’Ivoire, the most of any player in the match.
  • Geny Catamo attempted both of Mozambique’s shots on target against Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Mexer won all six of his duels against Côte d’Ivoire, including four aerial duels.
  • Goalkeeper Ernan Siluane made three saves in the match.

 

 

MATCH STATS: Algeria vs Burkina Faso

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MATCH STATS: Algeria vs Burkina Faso

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Group E

 

Image credit: CAFonline

 

Algeria and Burkina Faso both made winning starts in Group E and will be targeting a second victory that would secure qualification for the Round of 16 when they meet in their second group match at the Moulay Hassan Stadium on 28 December. Kick-off is at 16h00 local time (15h00 GMT), reports CAFonline.

 

This will be the fourth meeting between the two nations at the Africa Cup of Nations finals. They previously met in 1996, 1998 and at the last edition in 2023.

 

All of their AFCON encounters have taken place in the group stage, and this is the second time they face each other at successive AFCON tournaments, after meetings in 1996 and 1998.

 

Across their three previous AFCON meetings, each side has recorded one win, with one match ending in a draw. Both teams have scored in all three of those encounters.

 

Their first AFCON meeting came in Group B on 24 January 1996, when Algeria won 2-1 in their final group match. Khaled Lounici scored in the 2nd minute and Billel Dziri added a second in the 75th, while Boureima Zongo pulled one back for Burkina Faso late on.

 

At the 1998 finals, both teams had lost their opening matches when they met in Group A. Hosts Burkina Faso claimed a 2-1 win, with Kassoum Ouédraogo converting a 75th-minute penalty and Seydou Traoré scoring two minutes later. Moussa Saïb scored from the spot for Algeria in the 82nd minute.

 

Their most recent AFCON meeting came at the 2023 edition, where their Group D clash ended in a 2-2 draw. Burkina Faso led twice through Mohamed Konaté and a Bertrand Traoré penalty, before Baghdad Bounedjah scored both of Algeria’s goals, including an equaliser deep into second-half stoppage time.

 

Overall, this will be the 20th meeting between the sides. Algeria and Burkina Faso have each won six of the previous 19 matches, with seven draws.

 

The last three meetings between the teams have ended in draws, including two fixtures in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying and their 2023 AFCON group-stage encounter. The last match to produce a winner was in November 2013, when Algeria won 1-0 at home in World Cup qualifying to progress on away goals.

 

Algeria have scored in each of their last seven matches against Burkina Faso, while Burkina Faso have found the net in their last three meetings with Algeria.

 

PAST MEETINGS

OVERALL
Algeria: P19 W6 D7 L6 GF24 GA19 GD+5
Burkina Faso: P19 W6 D7 L6 GF19 GA24 GD-5

AFCON ONLY
Algeria: P3 W1 D1 L1 GF5 GA5 GD0
Burkina Faso: P3 W1 D1 L1 GF5 GA5 GD0

 

PAST AFCON MEETINGS

1996, Group B, 24 January
Algeria 2 (Lounici 2’, Dziri 75’) Burkina Faso 1 (Zongo 83’)

1998, Group A, 11 February
Burkina Faso 2 (Ouédraogo 75’ pen, Traoré 77’) Algeria 1 (Saïb 82’ pen)

2023, Group D, 20 January
Algeria 2 (Bounedjah 51’, 90+5’) Burkina Faso 2 (Konaté 45+3’, Traoré 71’ pen)

 

Algeria – Key Statistics

  • Opened with a 3-0 win over Sudan.
  • Won their opening AFCON match for the first time since 2019, after draws in 2021 and 2023.
  • Ended a six-game winless run at AFCON, their previous victory coming in the 2019 final.
  • Had gone six group-stage matches without a win prior to defeating Sudan.
  • Have started an AFCON with successive wins on four previous occasions: 1982, 1984, 1990 and 2019.
  • Have won their second group game 10 times at AFCON, but only once in their last six appearances.
  • Have lost their second group game only once after winning the opener, in 2015.
  • Riyad Mahrez scored twice against Sudan to take his AFCON tally to eight goals.
  • Mahrez is now Algeria’s all-time leading scorer at AFCON.
  • The Sudan match was his fourth AFCON tournament in which he has scored.
  • It was the second time Mahrez has scored a brace in an AFCON match.
  • He is the only Algerian player to score two goals in multiple AFCON games.
  • Ibrahim Maza’s goal against Sudan was Algeria’s 100th at AFCON.
  • Baghdad Bounedjah now has seven AFCON goal involvements (five goals, two assists).
  • Ramy Bensebaïni led all players for touches, passes attempted and passes completed against Sudan.

 

Burkina Faso – Key Statistics

  • Began with a 2-1 win over Equatorial Guinea after conceding first.
  • It was the first time at AFCON they had come from behind to win a group-stage match.
  • Named their oldest starting XI at AFCON in the last seven editions.
  • Have won their last two opening AFCON matches after failing to win their first 12 openers.
  • Have never previously started an AFCON with successive wins.
  • Their last two AFCON opening-match winners have come after the 90th minute.
  • Recorded 67% possession against Equatorial Guinea, their highest at AFCON since at least 2010.
  • Scored twice beyond the 90th minute in the same AFCON match for the first time.
  • Three of their last six AFCON goals have been scored by substitutes.
  • Georgi Minoungou scored his first international goal in his fifth appearance.
  • Edmond Tapsoba scored his first AFCON goal in his 11th appearance.
  • Tapsoba led all players for touches and passes completed.
  • Faced only one shot on target, which resulted in a goal conceded.
  • Dango Ouattara completed all five of his dribble attempts.
  • Blati Touré won possession more times than any other player in the match.

 

 

MATCH STATS: Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan

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MATCH STATS: Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Group E

 

Image credit: CAFonline

 

Equatorial Guinea and Sudan both come into this Group E fixture searching for their first points at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after suffering defeats on Matchday One, reports CAFonline.

 

The encounter will be played at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on 28 December, with kick-off at 16h00 local time (15h00 GMT).

 

This will be the first meeting between the two nations at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.

 

Their only previous encounters came during qualification for the 2019 AFCON, with Equatorial Guinea winning both matches.

 

The first meeting on 8 September 2018 saw Equatorial Guinea claim a 1-0 home victory in Bata, Emilio Nsue scoring the decisive goal in the 30th minute.

 

The return fixture on 22 March 2019 in Sudan ended in a 4-1 away win for Equatorial Guinea. Saif Tere gave Sudan a 15th-minute lead, but an Nsue brace from the penalty spot, along with goals from Pablo Ganet and Pedro Obiang, completed the turnaround.

 

Neither side progressed to the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt, with Senegal and Madagascar finishing ahead of them in the qualifying group.

 

PAST MEETINGS

OVERALL
Equatorial Guinea: P2 W2 D0 L0 GF5 GA1 GD+4
Sudan: P2 W0 D0 L2 GF1 GA5 GD-4

AFCON ONLY
No previous AFCON meetings

 

Equatorial Guinea – Key Statistics

  • Began the tournament with a 2-1 loss to Burkina Faso.
  • Took the lead through Marvin Anieboh before conceding twice in second-half stoppage time.
  • Anieboh scored Equatorial Guinea’s second-ever headed goal at AFCON, after the first against Senegal in 2012.
  • It was Anieboh’s first international goal in his 22nd appearance.
  • His goal was Equatorial Guinea’s only shot on target against Burkina Faso.
  • The defeat marked the first time they have lost an AFCON match after scoring first.
  • In their last two AFCON defeats, the winning goal has been conceded eight minutes into second-half stoppage time.
  • Have lost their last two AFCON matches, including the 2023 Round of 16 loss to Guinea.
  • The only other time they lost consecutive AFCON matches was in 2012 against Zambia and Côte d’Ivoire.
  • A defeat would see them lose successive group games at AFCON for the first time.
  • A defeat would also mark their first run of three consecutive AFCON losses.
  • Failure to win would mean starting an AFCON without a victory in their first two games for the second time, after 2015.
  • Record in second group games: P4 W3 D1 L0.
  • They have never lost their second group game at AFCON.
  • Beat Senegal 2-1 in their second group game in 2012 and drew 0-0 with Burkina Faso in 2015.
  • Have won their last two second group games, against Algeria in 2021 and Guinea-Bissau in 2023.
  • After losing their opening game in 2021, they recovered to win their next two group matches.
  • Have lost four of their last six AFCON matches, having lost only four of their first 14.
  • The loss to Burkina Faso ended a five-game unbeaten run in AFCON group matches.
  • Have scored in their last six AFCON group games.
  • Had a player sent off in their last two AFCON matches, Basilo Ndong in this tournament and Bikoro in 2023.
  • Recorded just 33% possession against Burkina Faso.

 

Sudan – Key Statistics

  • The defeat to Algeria extended Sudan’s winless run at AFCON to eight matches (D4 L4).
  • Have scored in just one of their last five AFCON games.
  • Their last AFCON victory came against Burkina Faso in the group stage in 2012.
  • That remains their only win in their last 17 AFCON matches.
  • Have lost their last three AFCON matches.
  • Last lost four in a row when losing all three group games in 2008 and their opening match in 2012.
  • Failed to score in their opening AFCON match for a fourth consecutive finals.
  • Have conceded three goals in six of their last 11 AFCON matches.
  • Five of their last 11 AFCON defeats have been by a 3-0 scoreline.
  • Lost their opening group game for the third time, after 2008 and 2012.
  • In 2008 they lost all three group games, while in 2012 they recovered to reach the quarter-finals.
  • Salah Adil’s red card against Algeria was Sudan’s first AFCON sending-off since 2012.
  • Sudan had previously gone three AFCON matches without a red card.
  • Coach Kwesi Appiah has now failed to win his opening match in all three AFCON tournaments he has coached.
  • The loss to Algeria was the heaviest defeat Appiah has suffered as a coach at AFCON.
  • In previous tournaments, Appiah’s teams have won or drawn their second group games.

 

 

MATCH STATS: Côte d’Ivoire vs Cameroon

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MATCH STATS: Côte d’Ivoire vs Cameroon

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, Group F

 

Image credit: CAFonline

 

Winners of two of the last three editions, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon will renew a 55-year Africa Cup of Nations rivalry when they meet in their second Group F fixture on 28 December in Marrakech. Kick-off is at 21h00 local time (20h00 GMT), reports CAFonline.

 

At the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire have met eight times previously, with Cameroon winning five matches. Two of the remaining three encounters ended level before Côte d’Ivoire prevailed on penalties.

 

Côte d’Ivoire won their most recent AFCON meeting in 2015, claiming a 1-0 group-stage victory in their final group match, with Max Gradel scoring the decisive goal in the 35th minute to eliminate Cameroon.

 

Five of their eight AFCON meetings have taken place at the group stage (1970, 1984, 2000, 2002 and 2015). Cameroon won the first four of those encounters, with Côte d’Ivoire claiming victory in the most recent meeting in 2015.

 

Cameroon defeated Côte d’Ivoire 3-0 and 1-0 respectively in the group stages on their way to lifting AFCON titles in 2000 and 2002. In fact, when winning three of their five AFCON titles (1984, 2000 and 2002), Cameroon recorded group-stage victories over Côte d’Ivoire.

 

Côte d’Ivoire won their second AFCON title in 2015 after defeating Cameroon in the group stage. They overcame Cameroon on penalties in the 1992 semi-finals when lifting their first AFCON crown.

 

Across eight AFCON meetings, Côte d’Ivoire have managed just one victory over Cameroon in open play. Their other two wins — in the 1992 semi-finals and the 2006 quarter-finals — came via penalty shoot-outs.

 

Their 2006 quarter-final clash ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, with Côte d’Ivoire winning 12-11 on penalties. Samuel Eto’o was the only player to miss among the 24 spot-kicks taken.

 

Current Côte d’Ivoire coach Emerse Faé featured in that 2006 quarter-final, converting the Elephants’ fourth penalty in the shoot-out.

 

Only one of the eight AFCON clashes between Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire ended goalless — their 1992 semi-final encounter, which Côte d’Ivoire won on penalties.

 

The eight previous AFCON meetings between the sides have produced a total of 15 goals, with Cameroon scoring 11 and Côte d’Ivoire four.

 

Cameroon have kept five clean sheets in their eight AFCON meetings against Côte d’Ivoire, conceding only in three matches: a 3-2 group-stage win in 1970, the 1-1 draw in the 2006 semi-final, and their 1-0 loss in 2015.

 

On the five previous occasions (1970, 1984, 2000, 2002 and 2015) when Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon were drawn in the same group, only one of the two progressed. Côte d’Ivoire advanced in 1970 and 2015, while Cameroon went through in 1984, 2000 and 2002.

 

Despite losing their opening match 3-2 to Cameroon in 1970, Côte d’Ivoire recovered to defeat Sudan and Ethiopia and progressed as Group A winners ahead of Sudan, eliminating Cameroon at the group stage.

 

Overall, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon have met 21 times, with each side winning eight matches and five ending in a draw.

 

The teams also met during qualifying for the 2015 AFCON. Cameroon won 4-1 in Yaoundé, while the return fixture in Abidjan ended in a 0-0 draw. Both sides qualified for the finals.

 

Their most recent meetings came in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying, with each team winning at home. Côte d’Ivoire claimed a 2-1 win on 6 September 2021 thanks to a Sébastien Haller brace, with Moumi Ngamaleu scoring for Cameroon.

 

The return match on 16 November 2021 saw Cameroon win 1-0 at home, Karl Toko Ekambi scoring in the 21st minute. Cameroon would go on to qualify for Qatar 2022 ahead of the Ivoirians.

 

This will be the ninth AFCON meeting between Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, the joint second-most meetings between two nations at the finals, alongside Côte d’Ivoire vs Algeria. Only Côte d’Ivoire’s 10 meetings against Ghana and Egypt rank higher.

 

Côte d’Ivoire have lost more AFCON matches only against Egypt (six) than they have against Cameroon (five). They have also lost five times against Ghana.

 

Cameroon are facing a defending champion for the fourth time at AFCON. They lost their previous three such encounters: against Egypt in 2008 (4-2 group-stage loss) and 2010 (3-1 quarter-final defeat), and against Senegal (3-1 group-stage loss) at the last edition.

 

Their only victory against a defending champion came in 1988, when they defeated Egypt 1-0 in their opening match.

 

They have previously met twice with Cameroon entering as defending champions, in 1986 and 2002, and on both occasions Cameroon won 1-0.

 

HEAD-TO-HEAD
OVERALL
Côte d’Ivoire: P21 W8 D5 L8 GF23 GA25 GD-2
Cameroon: P21 W8 D5 L8 GF25 DA23 GD+2

AFCON ONLY
Côte d’Ivoire: P8 W1 D2 L5 GF4 GA11 GD-7
Cameroon: P8 W5 D2 L1 GF11 GA4 GD+7

 

PAST AFCON MEETINGS

1970, Group A – 6 February 1970
Cameroon 3 (Koum 57’, 66’, N’Doga 60’) Côte d’Ivoire 2 (Pkou 25’, 45’)

1984, Group B – 10 March 1984
Côte d’Ivoire 0 Cameroon 2 (Milla 42’, Djonkep 61’)

1986, Semi-finals – 21 March 1986
Cameroon 1 (Milla 46’) Côte d’Ivoire 0

1992, Semi-finals – 23 January 1992
Cameroon 0 Côte d’Ivoire 0
Côte d’Ivoire won 3-1 on penalties

2000, Group A – 28 January 2000
Cameroon 3 (Kalla 29’, Eto’o 45’, M’boma 90’) Côte d’Ivoire 0

2002, Group C – 25 January 2002
Cameroon 1 (M’boma 85’) Côte d’Ivoire 0

2006, Quarter-finals – 4 February 2006
Cameroon 1 (Meyong 95’) Côte d’Ivoire 1 (Koné 92’)
Côte d’Ivoire won 12-11 on penalties

2015, Group D – 28 January 2015
Cameroon 0 Côte d’Ivoire 1 (Gradel 35’)

 

Côte d’Ivoire – Key Statistics

  • Began with a 1-0 win over Mozambique.
  • Have won 16 of their 26 opening matches at AFCON and are unbeaten in their last 14 opening games (W9 D5).
  • Won their opening game for a fourth finals in a row.
  • Have not conceded in their opening game in their last five AFCON appearances (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025).
  • Last won their first two AFCON matches in 2013, beating Togo 2-1 and Tunisia 3-0.
  • In the last three AFCON tournaments, when winning their opening match, they failed to win their second:
    • 2019: beat South Africa 1-0, lost to Morocco 1-0
    • 2021: beat Equatorial Guinea, drew 2-2 with Sierra Leone
    • 2023: beat Guinea-Bissau, lost to Nigeria
  • Have not won their second group game in their last five tournaments (D3 L2).
  • Last won their second group game in 2013.
  • Have conceded in their second group game in each of their last five appearances; last kept a clean sheet in a second group game in 2013 (3-0 vs Tunisia).
  • At Egypt 2019, their last AFCON in North Africa, they won their opening match but lost their second. At Egypt 2006, they won both opening games.
  • Have won their last three AFCON matches, their longest winning run since winning their first five matches in 2012.
  • Are unbeaten in their last four AFCON matches in open play (D1).
  • Their last three AFCON victories have all been by a single-goal margin; their last larger win was 2-0 vs Guinea-Bissau in 2023.
  • Victory over Mozambique was their 49th AFCON win; a win here would make them the fourth nation to reach 50 AFCON wins (after Egypt, Nigeria and Ghana).
  • At 19 years and 40 days, Yann Diomandé became the third player under 20 to complete five dribbles in an AFCON match, after Ilaix Moriba and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.
  • Diomandé won more duels than any other player against Mozambique (9).
  • Amad Diallo scored his first AFCON goal against Mozambique.
  • Diallo had the most total shooting involvement for Côte d’Ivoire against Mozambique (6: three shots, three chances created).
  • Diallo and Diomandé jointly completed the most passes in the final third (22).
  • Franck Kessié assisted Diallo’s goal; since his AFCON debut in 2019, Kessié has recorded five assists — only Sadio Mané has more (6).
  • Have scored in their last five AFCON matches; last scored in six consecutive matches between the 2019 and 2021 tournaments.
  • Wilfried Zaha recorded seven touches in the opposition box against Mozambique, more than any other player.

 

Cameroon – Key Statistics

  • Began with a 1-0 win over Gabon.
  • Fielded their youngest starting XI in an AFCON match since 2010, with an average age of 24 years and 347 days.
  • Their clean sheet against Gabon was their first in six AFCON matches, and their first since the 2021 final against Egypt (0-0, lost on penalties).
  • It was also their first clean sheet in an AFCON group match since their final group game in 2019 (0-0 vs Benin), having conceded in six successive group games.
  • Are unbeaten in their opening match in their last six AFCON tournaments (W3 D3).
  • Their six-match unbeaten run in opening fixtures is their best such streak.
  • Their record in second group games reads P21 W12 D7 L2.
  • Have only lost their second group match twice: in 1990 (1-0) and in 2023 (3-1), both against Senegal.
  • Have won their second group match 12 times, including a 5-1 victory over Zambia in 2008 — their biggest second-match win.
  • Their highest-scoring second group match was a 5-3 win over Zimbabwe in 2004, with Patrick M’boma scoring a hat-trick.
  • Were unbeaten in 12 successive second group matches before losing to Senegal in 2023 (W9 D3).
  • Have drawn 0-0 twice in second group games, both against Ghana (1982 and 2019).
  • Drew their second group match in 1988 against Nigeria, the last time Morocco hosted AFCON.
  • Have begun AFCON with successive wins five times (1970, 1972, 2002, 2006 and 2021).
  • Have never lost their second group match after winning their opening game.
  • Have failed to win their second group match five times after winning their opener, all ending in draws.
  • In 21 second group matches, they have failed to score only three times.
  • Victory would send Cameroon through to the knockout stages for the 17th time and for a fifth consecutive tournament.
  • Completed only 172 passes in the opposition half against Gabon, compared to Gabon’s 228.
  • Darlin Yongwa contested 22 duels against Gabon, the most in the match.
  • Samuel Kotto made 11 clearances, the most by a Cameroonian player in the match.
  • Bryan Mbeumo created six chances, including the assist for the winning goal.
  • Since 2012, Mbeumo is only the third Cameroonian to create six or more chances in an AFCON match, alongside Georges-Kévin Nkoudou (2023) and Benjamin Moukandjo (2017).
  • Mbeumo attempted six dribbles against Gabon, completing two.
  • Goalscorer Karl Etta Eyong netted his first goal for Cameroon in his fourth appearance.
  • Eyong is the youngest Cameroonian to score at AFCON since Christian Bassogog in the 2017 semi-finals.

 

 

Lookman’s star of Nigeria’s AFCON story

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Lookman’s star of Nigeria’s AFCON story

TotalEnergies CAF Men of the Match

 

 

27 December 2025 – Stade de Fès

Match: Nigeria 3–2 Tunisia

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – Forward

 

 

AFCON: Nigeria reach knock-out stage

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AFCON: Nigeria reach knock-out stage

As Roche hands Benin first ever AFCON win, Senegal and DR Congo draw, stalemate in East African derby

 

Image credit: CAFonline

 

  • Benin secured a vital 1–0 victory over Botswana
  • Senegal play out to a thrilling draw with DR Congo
  • Uganda, Tanzania in East Africa derby stalemate
  • Tunisia lock horns with Nigeria in the final match of the day

 

  • Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia

 

Nigeria survived a dramatic late surge from Tunisia to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory in Fez on Saturday night, becoming the second team to book their place in the Round of 16 at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, reports CAFonline.

 

In the last game of four thrilling duels in Morocco, the Super Eagles appeared to be cruising after racing into a commanding 3-0 lead. But, a spirited Tunisian comeback in the final quarter turned the contest into a tense affair under the lights. Goals from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi gave the Carthage Eagles renewed hope, but Nigeria showed composure to hold on and claim a vital win.

Ademola Lookman had delivered a standout performance with two assists and a goal, as Eric Chelle’s side cruised to a commanding lead. A pinpoint delivery from the left by Lookman picked out Victor Osimhen, who rose powerfully to head home the opener a minute to halftime.

 

The striker’s threat from aerial balls had earlier posed a threat to Tunisia, seeing two of his headers fly inches over. Carrying their momentum into the second half, Nigeria needed only four minutes after the restart to double their advantage.

 

Captain Wilfred Ndidi towered above the defense to nod in a Lookman corner. The 2024 CAF African Player of the Year then capped a superb individual display in the 66th minute, rifling a left-footed strike into the net from inside the box after a clever cut-back by Osimhen. Tunisia however refused to fold.

 

In the 75th minute, Talbi reduced the deficit with a precise header from Hannibal Mejbri’s well-delivered free-kick. The goal sparked belief, and 10 minutes later the North Africans were handed a lifeline when VAR ruled that Bright Osayi-Samuel had handled the ball inside the area. Ali Abdi stepped up confidently, smashing the penalty into the roof of the net to set up a nervy finish.

 

Tunisia came agonizingly close to completing the comeback in stoppage time, but captain Ferjani Sassi’s header drifted inches wide. Nigeria ultimately held firm to register a second successive win, moving to six points and top of Group C.

 

They face Uganda in the final match in Fez next Tuesday while Tunisia, who are on three points, travel to Rabat to face Tanzania.

 

REACTIONS

Ademola Lookman – TotalEnergies Man of the Match:

 

“We are pleased with the performance today – three points on board, that is most important. We take the positives and carry on. Victor is a good striker and we have a good relationship and make the most of that. Anywhere l can help the team l do. I now play closer to goal, which gives me more chance to hurt the opponent and l am happy with that.”

 

Eric Chelle – Nigeria coach:

“I’m happy, once again, with the intensity we showed for 75 minutes. I’m pleased with how we recovered the ball both very high up the pitch and very deep. We were able to move forward quickly, but also to keep possession for long periods of the game. We created a lot of chances and opportunities to score. In the second half, up until the 75th minute, we deserved this victory. We deserved it because we were the better team. After that, Tunisia played with the energy that characterizes them. Their first goal came from a set piece, and the second from a moment of play. But once again, we deserved this win, and I think we were the better team in every area of the game. Of course, it would be nice to finish a match without having to suffer so much.”

 

Sami Trabelsi – coach:

“Of course, there is a sense of bitterness after the match and this defeat. We felt we could have come back, especially during the final 30 minutes. The players performed at a very high level in that period; we created many chances, scored two goals and could have scored more. “The defeat hurts, but there is also a positive aspect: it shows that we can compete with any opponent when we impose our style of play and our ball possession. “We respected them, yes, while trying to remain balanced. We know that Nigeria have very fast and powerful players, so we tried to reduce the spaces. In the first half, we had a few chances that we should have taken. The goals we conceded came from crosses; it was not a matter of too much respect, but rather that we lost too many defensive and attacking duels. Once we started winning our attacking duels, we were much better and put the opponent under pressure. “I repeat, we did not start the match well because we lost too many duels. However, over the final 35 minutes, we were dominant and the final result could have been very different. “It is a matter of judgement. When we needed even more attacking penetration, we introduced Ismail Gharbi, but the performance of those already on the pitch was not poor. The next match will be decisive.”

 

  • Uganda 1-1 Tanzania

 

Allan Okello’s stoppage-time penalty miss proved costly as an intense East African derby between Uganda and Tanzania ended in a 1–1 draw at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, at Stade El Barid in Rabat on Saturday night.

 

Uganda were handed a golden opportunity to claim all three points after substitute Karl Ikpeazu had drawn them level to cancel out Simon Msuva’s opener, but Okello blazed his spot-kick over the crossbar at the stroke of full time, denying the Cranes a dramatic victory.

 

Victory would have significantly boosted Uganda’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages. Instead, the draw leaves both sides facing must-win scenarios on the final day of Group C action.

 

The contest lived up to its billing as a fiercely contested regional derby. Rodgers Mato went closest in the first half, his powerful header from an Azizi Kayondo cross crashing against the crossbar, while Okello tested Tanzanian goalkeeper Foba Zuberi twice from close range.

 

At the other end, veteran goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, called in to the starting line-up after sitting out the opening match, produced a composed display to limit Tanzania’s threat, particularly from aerial deliveries.

 

Image credit: CAFonline

 

The tempo remained high after the break, and it was Tanzania who struck first. In the 58th minute, Alhassan Baba was penalized for handling the ball inside the area while attempting to block Alphonce Msanga’s effort.

 

Msuva stepped up and confidently converted the resulting penalty.

 

Uganda pressed for a response and were rewarded 10 minutes later when Ikpeazu dived in to meet a Dennis Omedi cross, heading home to restore parity. The Cranes then thought they had snatched victory deep into stoppage time, but Okello’s penalty sailed over the bar.

 

There was still late drama at the other end, as Onyango spilled a cross into a dangerous area, only for substitute Charles M’Mbowa to volley wide and spare Uganda further punishment.

 

Tanzania will next face Tunisia at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday, while Uganda travel to Fez for a decisive encounter against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

 

REACTIONS:

 

MOM: Simon Msuva – Tanzania
“Thank you so much. I am really happy with the trophy, but I cannot take all the credit. It is for my teammates and the supporters who have rallied us. We know Uganda are our neighbors so we knew it would be difficult but thank God we managed to work together and get a result”

Miguel Gamondi – Tanzania 
“First, we are a little disappointed that we did not win but I do believe we had a very good game with high intensity. In attacking we lost some balls. Uganda created some good chances, and I think we changed well in the second half. We created chances, dominated and were dangerous but we made a mistake to allow for a cross which resulted in a goal. We feel sorry for all the Tanzanian people that we did not win but we continue working hard in this tough competition”

Paul Put – Uganda 
“I think we didn’t deserve a draw. I think we had more opportunities. If you look at the ball possession, we had more of it. We also missed a penalty which is very painful but that is a part of football. We have a very young team so my responsibility is also to build a team for 2027 because we are the host country. I spoke to the players and informed that they we need to keep the belief. You have to play until the last game. Yes we are disappointed, but we need to reset the mindset and prepare for the match against Nigeria which we know will not be easy.

 

Senegal 1-1 DR Congo

 

In Tangier, Sadio Mane struck the equaliser as former champions Senegal came from behind to hold DR Congo to a 1–1 draw in an absorbing encounter.

 

Cedric Bakambu had handed Les Leopards the lead on the hour mark, capitalizing on sustained second-half pressure, but Senegal responded just eight minutes later through Mane to ensure the points were shared after a lively contest.

 

The Lions of Teranga dominated much of the first half and left the pitch with a sense of regret, having created several clear opportunities without finding the breakthrough.

 

Nicolas Jackson went closest early on, his close-range effort from a Mane cut-back drifting inches wide, while Mane himself saw a free-kick from the edge of the area narrowly miss the target.

 

Image credit: CAFonline

 

Ismaila Sarr squandered perhaps the best chance of the half when he volleyed over from close range after a poorly defended set piece, before Pape Gueye forced a smart low save from the Congolese goalkeeper just before the interval.

 

DR Congo emerged with renewed intent after the restart and were quicker out of the blocks. Noah Sadiki tested Edouard Mendy with a firm drive before the breakthrough arrived in the 60th minute. Bakambu reacted quickest to tap home after Mendy had initially saved Theo Bongonda’s shot.

 

Senegal, however, showed character in their response. Substitute Ibrahim Mbaye sparked the move that led to the equalizer with a determined run down the right, his effort parried by the goalkeeper, allowing Mane to arrive at the right moment to calmly slot home the rebound.

 

Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages of a high-tempo encounter, but neither could find a decisive second goal.

 

The draw keeps Senegal top of the group on four points, level with DR Congo but ahead on goal difference. The final group fixtures on Tuesday, Senegal against Benin and DR Congo facing Botswana, will determine the final standings and qualification positions.

 

REACTIONS:

 

Sadio Mane MOM TotalEnergies

“One point is not too bad as our opponents DR Congo were determined and played very well. They were good and compact in defence, they did not take any unnecessary risks, so they also deserve the one point. We are not completely unhappy as the Afcon us always tough. It was a tough match and in this competition you cannot underrate any team.”

 

DR Coach Sebastian Desabre: 

“It was a hotly contested game. We needed to step up to the plate which we did. We started slowly and as time went on we improved. The second half was excellent and this fell in line with our plans. We wanted to have four points by the end of our second match so we have met our targets.
It was a good game. It was a different game from what happened when the two sides played in Kinshasa. These two teams know themselves very well so playing against each other will always be tough as the games are very tight like it happened today. On the flanks Senegal were very swift with players like Jackson but we managed to contain them and that led to this result. Overall the guys put up a good show. We can congratulate the boys for a good job done.”

 

Benin 1-0 Botswana

 

Goalscorer: Yohan Roche (28’)

Yohan Roche’s first-half strike proved decisive as Benin reignited their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025 Round of 16 qualification hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Botswana in Rabat.

 

This was Benin’s first ever victory at the AFCON. The result not only penned a brilliant chapter in their history, but also saw Gernot Rohr’s men respond positively after their opening-day defeat to DR Congo.

 

Meanwhile, Botswana’s ambitions of a first-ever progression to the knockout stage suffered a major setback following a second consecutive loss.

 

Benin made a purposeful start and were briefly celebrating inside the opening quarter of an hour before Aiyegun Tosin’s effort was ruled out for offside. Their persistence was eventually rewarded in the 28th minute when Roche found the breakthrough.

 

The left-back finished off a pass from captain Steve Mounié, his effort taking a decisive deflection off a defender before beating goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko.

 

Image credit: CAFonline

 

Botswana came close to restoring parity seven minutes before the interval, but Mothusi Johnson’s superb free-kick crashed against the crossbar.

 

After the restart, Benin looked to put the contest beyond doubt. Tamimou Ouorou went close on two occasions, first forcing Phoko into a full-stretch save from distance before seeing another deflected effort well gathered by the Botswana goalkeeper.

 

Botswana pushed forward in the closing stages in search of a lifeline, but lacked the cutting edge required to trouble the Beninese defence.

 

The Zebras will conclude their Group D campaign against DR Congo in Rabat on Tuesday, while Benin face former champions Senegal in Tangier on the same day, knowing that a positive result could secure their place in the knockout phase.

 

REACTIONS:

 

Gernot Rohr, Benin coach:

“This victory is important to us because it gives us a chance to qualify for the next round. We proved today that we have progressed defensively. We didn’t concede many opportunities and we recovered well, especially on the offense.

 

I am happy for Yohan Roche who laughed at his mistake in the first match and who has just been elected Man of the match.

 

Morena Ramoreboli – Botswana Coach 

“In the first 45 minutes, we got one opportunity which I think we should have buried and unfortunately from very same opportunity, we conceded the other side. The sad part about this game is that we were creating in the first half but in the second half after we tried to get more possession, we were doing that but we did not really get that penetration or create more  opportunities.

It is unfortunate that this is a game of football that works on who scored more goals and who made more mistakes and in this situation we made one mistake which resulted in us conceding a goal.

When you look at them, they played all match with just one corner kick and that simply means they were not really giving us problems in terms of how they wanted to attack us. The worst part is that their defender is man of the match and that simply says, as much as he is the one who scored a goal, they were defending and defending well and unfortunately we are on the losing end today”

 

Yohan Roche MOTM

 

“It is a source of immense pride. We were aware of the people’s expectations, and we managed to stay focused to secure the win. This goal is particularly touching for me, especially after the difficulties of the first match. It was an immense joy to score the winning goal for Benin in front of my family, who are here in Morocco.

 

So proud to have scored this winning goal! 🇧🇯 It was a tough match against a solid Botswana team, but we did what was necessary. Happy to have contributed to this historic first victory in the Africa Cup. We keep going together! ”

 

 

AFCON stars of the story so far

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AFCON stars of the story so far

TotalEnergies CAF Men of the Match

 

Find all the TotalEnergies CAF Men of the Match from the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025.

 

27 December 2025 – Stade El Barid, Rabat

 

 

Match: Tanzania 1–1 Uganda

Simon Msuva (Tanzania) – Forward

 

27 December 2025 – Grand Stade de Tanger – Tangier

 

 

Match: Senegal 1–1 Democratic Republic of Congo

Sadio Mané (Senegal) – Forward

 

27 December 2025 – Olympic Stadium – Rabat

 

 

Match: Benin 1–0 Botswana

Yohan Roche (Benin) – Defender

 

26 December 2025 – Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium – Rabat

 

 

Match: Morocco 1–1 Mali

Naël El Aynaoui (Morocco) – Midfielder

 

 

26 December 2025 – Casablanca – Stade Mohammed V

 

 

Match: Zambia 0–0 Comoros

Youssouf Zaidou (Comoros) – Midfielder

 

26 December 2025 – Agadir – Grand Stade d’Agadir

 

 

Match 15: Egypt 1–0 South Africa

Mohamed Elshenawy – Goalkeeper – Egypt

 

 

December 26, 2025 – Marrakech – Stade de Marrakech 

 

 

Angola 1-1 Zimbabwe
Alfredo Ribeiro – Midfielder – Angola

 

24 December 2025 – Marrakech – Grand Stade de Marrakech 

 

 

Match : Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 Mozambique

Amad Diallo – Forward- Côte D’Ivoire

 

December 24, 2025 – Rabat – Moulay Hassan Stadium

 

 

Match : Algeria 3-0 Sudan

Riyad Mahrez – Forward- Algeria

 

December 24, 2025 – Casablanca – Mohammed V Stadium

 

 

Match : Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea

Edmond Tapsoba – Defender -Burkina Faso

 

December 23, 2025 – Rabat – Stade Olympique

 


Tunisia – Uganda
Elias Achouri – Attaquant -Tunisie

 

December 23, 2025 – Fez – Compexe Sportif de Fès

 


Nigeria -Tanzania
Semi Ajayi – Defender – Nigeria

 

December 23, 2025 – Tangiers – Grand Stade de Tanger

 

Senegal vs Botswana
Nicholas Jackson – Forward (Senegal)

 

December 23, 2025 – Rabat – Stade Al Madina

 

 

DR Congo vs Benin
Théo Bongonda – Midfielder (DR Congo)


 

December 22, 2025 – Agadir – Grand Stade d’Agadir

 

Egypt vs Zimbabwe
Omar Marmoush – Forward (Egypt)

 

Décembre 22, 2025 – Marrakesh – Grande Stade de Marrakech

 



South Africa vs Angola
Lyle Foster – Forward (South Africa)


December 22, 2025 – Casablanca – Mohammed V Stadium

 

 

Mali vs Zambia
Lassine Sinayoko – Forward (Mali)

 

December 21, 2025 – Rabat – Stade Moulay Abdellah

 

 

Morocco vs Comoros
Brahim Díaz – Forward (Morocco)

 

 

Watch LIVE AFCON: Nigeria versus Tunisia

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Watch LIVE AFCON: Nigeria versus Tunisia

High-stakes Group C showdown in Fès

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fulham fighting spirit delights Marco Silva

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Fulham fighting spirit delights Marco Silva

Fulham post-West Ham press conference

 

 

Image credit: Fulham FC

 

Marco Silva was delighted by his side’s desire to fight for three points until the final moments at London Stadium, Geoff Pruce reports for Fulham FC.

 

Fulham’s meeting with West Ham United looked as though it was heading for a goalless draw until Harry Wilson capitalised on a defensive error to tee up Raúl Jiménez for the winner in the 85th minute.

 

“Very tight game, as we expected,” Silva said. “These type of games, they are not decisive, but they are always going to be very important for the home side to win this afternoon, but we showed our ambition.

 

“Both teams had chances, but what pleased me more really is the way in the last 20-25 minutes our team started to push a little bit more.

 

“You come to play away from home, and we saw our team on the ball, we saw our team trying to create chances on the ball, [and] you expose ourselves more.

 

“We knew it, they are going to be set up for some counter-attack moments, we expected that with [Jarrod] Bowen and [Lucas] Paqueta and [Crysencio] Summerville, before [Callum] Wilson came in.

 

“We have to be aware of that situation, and if you look for all the game, the chances that they create, or the dangerous moments they had, they came all from counter-attacks.

 

“In some moments, we should have squeezed more their frontline players to not let them have the chance, but it really pleased me how we pushed. Before [the goal], we had a great chance with Josh, one great chance with Raúl, too.

 

“Great assist, great goal from Raúl. Overall, the game coming for an end, looked like it is going to be a draw, but it pleased me the way the team showed ambition to push forward to try to win the game, and it’s very important for us.

 

Marco Silva celebrates with Harry Wilson at full-time

 

“Premier League is very tough to win football matches, we knew the individual quality that is in the other side, players like Bowen, Paqueta, and Summerville or Wilson, the capacity they have to decide some times in games.

 

“We are very pleased. The third win in a row in Premier League – it’s always difficult to win and to achieve it, third in a row away from home as well. With the clean sheet, even better for us.

 

“I’m very pleased, the players deserve all the credit in this busy period with a lot of absences from our side, the way we have been able to win games recently and to climb the table.”

 

 

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