Chipolopolo and Les Cœlacanthes cross paths where defeat is not an option
Image credit: CAFonline
Zambia will face Comoros in a highly anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cu of Nations Morocco 2025 Group A encounter on Friday at18:30 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
Zambia come into the match after securing a valuable 1–1 draw against Mali in the opening round, salvaged in the closing minutes. That result provided an important psychological boost and has strengthened Chipolopolo’s determination to claim their first win of the tournament, which would significantly enhance their chances of reaching the last 16.
Relying on the momentum gained from their first outing and the tactical balance they displayed, Zambia will look to impose their rhythm early on and capitalist on any spaces left by their opponents.
Comoros, meanwhile, approach the game under considerable pressure after suffering a narrow 2–1 defeat to hosts Morocco in their opening match. Aware that only a win will keep their qualification ambitions firmly intact, the Islanders know this encounter carries a decisive edge for their campaign.
Zambia will aim to strike the right balance between defensive solidity and attacking efficiency, controlling the tempo without unnecessary risk. Comoros, on the other hand, will be tasked with taking the initiative and creating chances, while remaining vigilant against counter-attacks—setting the stage for an open contest with multiple possible scenarios.
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What was said before the match
Moussa Sichone – Zambia head coach:
“Comoros will not be an easy opponent. They are a good team, with quick players who know how to position themselves on the pitch. We expect a strong match and we are ready for it. It will be a very tactical encounter, and we will focus on maintaining our tactical discipline. The draw against Mali was important for us, as it was our first match, and I see it as a positive result. We analyzed our performance and will work to avoid mistakes going forward. The second match is crucial, but I don’t want to put pressure on the players—they all understand what is at stake and are determined to fight for the three points.”
Fashion Sakala – Zambia captain:
“We are fully prepared for this match. We know it won’t be easy against a team like Comoros, but our objective is to win. The atmosphere is good within the squad, and that helps us going into the game. From the start of our preparations for this tournament, our goal has been to qualify for the next round. We don’t want to miss the opportunity in this second match, and we will fight to earn all three points.”
Image credit: CAFonline
Stefano Cusin – Comoros head coach:
“The match against Zambia is extremely important. We will be facing a team with high-quality attackers. We have prepared well, and our approach will be adapted to our opponent’s style of play. This match means a lot to us, and we will do everything we can to win. Zambia are a strong side, but we are determined to succeed and are working hard toward that goal.”
Myzian Maolida – Comoros:
“Our match against Zambia is very important, and we are ready for it. Our preparations have focused heavily on the tactical side in order to secure the points. There are no secrets—we will play with great determination to win this game.
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Match stats:
Overall, Zambia and Comoros have met seven times in international football. Zambia have won four of those encounters, Comoros have recorded two victories, and one match ended in a draw.
Egypt, South Africa meet in blockbuster clash at the Grand Stade d’Agadir
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The last time these two heavyweights crossed paths at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), South Africa delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable upsets, reports CAFonline.
At the Cairo International Stadium in 2019, Thembinkosi Lorch’s decisive strike stunned hosts Egypt, silencing a partisan crowd of more than 60,000 as Bafana Bafana eliminated the Pharaohs in the Round of 16.
Six years on, Egypt and South Africa renew acquaintances on the AFCON stage once more. While the stakes may not mirror the drama of Cairo 2019, the fixture still carries significant weight; a classic African rivalry and a meeting of two of the continent’s most storied footballing nations.
Both sides arrive with momentum, having secured victories in their opening Group B matches, and a second win would place either firmly on the path toward the knockout rounds.
South Africa make the journey from Marrakech to the Grand Stade d’Agadir, while Egypt enjoy the familiarity and comfort of playing a second successive match at a venue they know well.
Image credit: CAFonline
The Pharaohs opened their campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 comeback victory over Zimbabwe, captain Mohamed Salah sealing the win with a dramatic stoppage-time strike. Head coach Hossam Hassan has acknowledged the quality of the South African side, conceding that this encounter will present a sterner test.
Egypt do, however, carry a slight concern over the fitness of Mohamed Hamdi, who was forced off during the win against Zimbabwe. Even so, Hassan still boasts a deep and experienced squad as he targets a second consecutive group-stage victory.
Image credit: CAFonline
The fixture also stirs fond memories for the Egyptian coach, who was part of the Pharaohs’ squad that defeated South Africa 2–0 in the 1998 AFCON final to lift the continental crown.
Across the technical area, South Africa’s Hugo Broos also draws confidence from past encounters with Egypt. In 2017, the Belgian led Cameroon to AFCON glory in Libreville with a. 2-1 win in the final against the Egyptians and he admits there is always added motivation when facing an opponent you have beaten in the past.
Image credit: CAFonline
Broos has assembled a highly driven squad in Morocco, chasing both continental success and what would be his second AFCON title as a head coach.
Buoyed by an impressive FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, Bafana Bafana began their AFCON journey on a positive note, edging Angola 2–1 in their opening match.
Much of South Africa’s attacking threat once again rests on Lyle Foster, who produced a standout performance against Angola with a goal and an assist. His influence will be crucial as Bafana Bafana seek to recreate past success against a formidable Egyptian side.
As history, ambition, and qualification hopes converge, Egypt versus South Africa promises another compelling chapter in an enduring AFCON rivalry.
Image credit: CAFonline
What they said:
Coach Hossam Hassa – Egypt: South Africa is a very strong team which we respect and they are among the teams who have shown high performance and are favourites for the competition. We have a long history against them; sometimes they won, sometimes we won. This is a new opportunity. We have analyzed their strengths and weaknesses. They are a team that are very aggressive and play the short-passing game but as a technical bench we have devised plans to contain them.
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Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet – Egypt: This is a really important game in our group and we hope that we can make a positive result. We respect South Africa a lot and how they play. Our coach and the technical bench have worked on a plan that will make us ready and we will make the Egyptian people happy. We want to show that we are in the best position and we have confidence from the first game we won. Our last meeting with South Africa ended in them eliminating us from AFCON 2019, but that is in the past. We are focused on what is ahead of us.
Coach Hugo Broos – South Africa: We are excited to play Egypt and we know what kind of a team they are. They are seven time champions of this competition and that means something. They have some amazing players as well like Salah (Mohammed), Marmoush (Omar) and more and that makes them interesting. But, we are approaching the game with confidence knowing we are a good team as well. We have our qualities and we will try to show them as well.
Image credit: CAFonline
Striker Lyle Foster – South Africa: The morale within the team is really high because we come into this game with victory from our first match. This will be a very important game because we are north on three points and a win will be one foot into the next round. Everyone in the team is focused and prepared for a good result. I know sometimes it is only human for complacency to slip in when you have good results going but we have our own self drive and standards that we have to strive to maintain.
Stat of the match:
South Africa are undefeated in their last six games against Egypt, winning four of these and drawing two. Egypt’s last win over South Africa was a 1-0 win in a friendly game on the 15th November 2006 in Griffin Park in London.
Emad Moteab scored the game’s only goal in the third minute.
High stakes in Marrakech as Angola and Zimbabwe chase first points
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Second matchday, and already a sense of judgment. Beaten in their opening fixtures, Angola and Zimbabwe meet this Thursday at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in a contest that could prove decisive in the qualification race, reports CAFonline.
In a group where margins are extremely fine, this encounter carries the feel of a knockout match, despite the early stage of the group phase at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
Both teams delivered contrasting performances in their opening matches, yet a shared conclusion emerges: the quality of play was not always reflected in the result. Enough to fuel frustration, but also belief, ahead of this pivotal meeting.
Angola, between frustration and clarity
From the Angolan perspective, the opening defeat left a bitter taste. The Palancas Negras created several clear chances but failed to turn their dominance into goals. For head coach Patrice Beaumelle, however, there is no question of tearing everything up.
The Angolan coach has emphasised continuity and attention to detail. “We faced a solid team and showed good things. At this level, mistakes are punished immediately,” he said, stressing the importance of discipline and efficiency in decisive areas of the pitch.
Angola know that time for observation has passed. Without falling into haste, the team must now turn intention into execution. Mental strength and the ability to handle pressure will be crucial in a match that could shape the remainder of their tournament.
Defensive leader Jonathan Buatu shares that assessment. “We played against a very good team, unbeaten for a long time. That shows our performance was not poor. Now the important thing is to keep what we did well and correct our mistakes,” he explained, underlining the desire to restart on solid foundations.
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Zimbabwe, fearless but with their backs to the wall
Across the pitch, Zimbabwe approaches the fixture with the same sense of urgency. Cruelly defeated in the final minutes of their opening match, the Warriors nevertheless displayed dynamic organization and intensity capable of unsettling more experienced opponent.
For head coach Marian Marinica, the message is straightforward: move on without abandoning identity. “In this group, all teams still have a chance. The past is behind us; we must look forward,” he said, calling on his players to approach the match with courage and clarity.
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The Romanian coach expects a fiercely contested encounter, aware that “in this type of match, one of the two teams will have to give way.” A reality accepted in a context where emotional management could prove decisive.
Captain and midfield leader Marvelous Nakamba embodies that mindset. “We are training well, we have analyzed our first match and now everything is focused on this game. We want to give everything and get a positive result,” he said, bringing the focus back to collective commitment.
Pre-match quotes
Patrice Beaumelle Image credit: CAFonline
Patrice Beaumelle – Angola- coach:
“This will be a crucial match for both teams. We have analyzed Zimbabwe, a team with a new dynamic, a lot of movement and pace. They play without fear and we expect an open game.”
Jonathan Buatu – Angola defender:
“We looked at our mistakes, but also at what we did well. The objective is to bring those positive elements into the next match and be more effective.”
Marian Marinica – Zimbabwe head coach:
“This group is very balanced. We lost in the final minutes of the first match, but mentally we must move forward. The past is behind us.”
Marvelous Nakamba – Zimbabwe captain:
“The team is ready. We have worked, analyzed our match and now we are focused only on Angola.”
Image credit: CAFonline
Marian Marinica – Zimbabwe head coach:
“This group is very balanced. We lost in the final minutes of the first match, but mentally we must move forward. The past is behind us.”
Marvelous Nakamba – Zimbabwe captain:
“The team is ready. We have worked, analyzed our match and now we are focused only on Angola.”
Image credit: CAFonline
Pre-match stats
Angola and Zimbabwe have met four times in AFCON qualifiers (1998 and 2013), with Angola progressing on each occasion. They also faced each other in the FIFA World Cup 2006 qualifiers, where both teams won their home matches before Angola secured qualification for the finals in Germany.
Across their last four meetings, Angola have recorded three wins, while Zimbabwe have one victory. Their first encounter dates back to 1985, in an international friendly won by Zimbabwe (3–2).
World’s best on a course inspired by Florida’s natural landscape
The world’s best cross-country runners will take on a course inspired by Florida’s natural landscape when they compete at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Tallahassee 26 (WXC Tallahassee 26) on 10 January.
The terrain at Apalachee Regional Park will feature sand, water, mud and a signature ‘roller coaster’ element that will challenge even the sport’s elite.
From rolling hills and wide grass straights to signature red clay paths weaving through scenic pines, the video preview offers an inside view of the terrain, key features and unforgettable atmosphere awaiting competitors from around the globe.
The course includes two loops. Four challenge areas are planned and runners will face each challenge five times during the 10km race.
Fan experience zones are located along the course challenge areas. They include a variety of Florida themes intended to match the runner challenges.
Course preview video:
Fans can also lace up their running shoes and take on the same course as the elites. Choose from one of four community fun runs and enjoy the unique opportunity to test your skills on the same challenging terrain.
World Championships: Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA) 10.61 World Indoor Championships (60m): Mujinga Kambundji (SUI) 7.04 Wanda Diamond League: Julien Alfred (LCA) 10.76 South American Championships: Vitoria Cristina Rosa (BRA) 11.21 Asian Championships: Xiaojing Liang (CHN) 11.37 NACAC Championships: Jonielle Smith (JAM) 11.05
Season snapshot
Olympic bronze medallist in Paris last year, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden was a sprinter transformed in 2026, putting together a perfect season of 12 consecutive victories over 100m, culminating in her first world title in the fastest time of the year. Her personal best of 10.61 in the Tokyo final made her the fourth fastest in history behind only Florence Griffith-Joyner (10.49), Elaine Thompson-Herah (10.54) and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (10.60) – rare air indeed.
Jefferson-Wooden opened her season with a win at the first Grand Slam Track meeting in Kingston in April and gained speed and confidence as the season unfolded, breaking 10.70 three times – at the USA Championships in Eugene (10.65), the Diamond League meeting in Chorzow (10.66) and in the World Championships final in Tokyo.
Olympic champion Julien Alfred had a strong start to her season, but her momentum was slowed in late July with an untimely leg injury. She returned to win the Diamond League final in Zurich in a season’s best of 10.76, but did not quite have her best form in Tokyo, and ended as the bronze medallist.
The rise of Jamaica’s 21-year-old Clayton twins as a global threat at senior level provided another highlight of the year. Tina Clayton graduated from world U20 champion to senior silver medallist in 12 months, setting a personal best of 10.76, while her sister Tia broke through to win her first Diamond League event in Chorzow (10.83), finished second in the Diamond League final, and may also have challenged for a medal in Tokyo, but an injury during the Jamaican Trials prevented her from qualifying for the individual event.
Their arrival was timely as one of history’s greatest female sprinters, Jamaica’s five-times world 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce vacated the stage at 38, ending her fabled career with a sixth place in her sixth world 100m final appearance. One final medal, silver in the women’s 4x100m, lifted her career tally to 17.
World Championships: Oblique Seville (JAM) 9.77 World Indoor Championships (60m): Jeremiah Azu (GBR) 6.49 Wanda Diamond League: Christian Coleman (USA) 9.97 South American Championships: Felipe Bardi (BRA) 9.99 Asian Championships: Hiroki Yanagita (JPN) 10.20 NACAC Championships: Jerome Blake (CAN) 9.95
Season snapshot
Jamaica has been searching for a new male sprint star since the great Usain Bolt retired in 2017. For much of this year it appeared that Kishane Thompson would be the next Jamaican man to win a global 100m title, courtesy of his personal best of 9.75 to win the Jamaican championship in June, the fastest time in the world for ten years.
With Olympic champion Noah Lyles struggling to find his speed after an early-season ankle injury, Olympic silver medallist Thompson arrived in Tokyo off three consecutive Diamond League wins and perfectly poised to ascend to the throne. He looked the winner through the heats and semi-finals at the World Championships, but his contemporary Oblique Seville put together the better race in the final to claim the crown.
Seville, 24, had also arrived in Tokyo in striking form, with Diamond League victories in London and Lausanne, and he ran the best race of his career in the Tokyo final to win in a personal best of 9.77, becoming the first Jamaican man in a decade to win the title. He not only shares that link with Bolt, but is also coached by the Jamaican sprint guru Glen Mills at the Racers Track Club.
Lyles always seemed likely to fall short in the 100m this year off a disrupted preparation but he also produced his season’s best when it counted to climb onto the podium, taking bronze in 9.89. The question now is whether the 28-year-old US sprinter can wrest the ascendancy back from the younger Jamaican pair in the coming years.
None of the Tokyo medallists competed in the 100m at the Diamond League final in Zurich, giving 2019 world champion Christian Coleman the opportunity to claim that title, although that race proved not to be a pointer to higher honors.
Britain’s Jeremiah Azu dominated the indoor season over 60m, winning the Welsh, British, European and world titles in succession in an undefeated season but could not convert that form into outdoor success over 100m, bowing out in the semi-finals in Tokyo.
World Championships: Melissa Jefferson-Wooden (USA) 21.68 Wanda Diamond League: Brittany Brown (USA) 22.13 South American Championships: Nicole Caicedo (ECU) 23.07 Asian Championships: Yujie Chen (CHN) 22.97 NACAC Championships: Anthonique Strachan (BAH) 22.77
Season snapshot
Riding the momentum of her irresistible 100m form, Jefferson-Wooden completed the sprint double in Tokyo in a world-leading 21.68, dominating the final in the absence of Olympic champion Gabby Thomas, who missed the World Championships due to an achilles injury. Jefferson-Wooden became the first woman to complete the 100m-200m double at the World Championships since Fraser-Pryce in 2013.
The gulf between the US sprinter and her competitors was almost half a second as Briton Amy Hunt earned a surprise silver medal in 22.14. Hunt, 23, was a touted as a teen prodigy in her youth but had a difficult transition to the senior ranks, and this medal was just reward for the persistence and resilience she has shown in recent years, toiling away in the shadow of fellow British sprinters Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita.
Two-time world champion Shericka Jackson, forced out of the 2024 Olympics with injury, returned to the podium this year, taking the bronze medal (22.18).
Olympic silver medallist Alfred had the second fastest time of the year (21.71) but did not contest the 200m in Tokyo after straining a hamstring in the 100m final.
Olympic bronze medallist Brittany Brown missed the podium in Tokyo (6th) but put together a highly competitive season otherwise, winning the Diamond League final and finishing her season with a flourish, setting a personal best of 21.89 to win at Athlos in New York in October, which gives her an excellent launching pad for next year.
World Championships: Noah Lyles (USA) 19.52 Wanda Diamond League: Noah Lyles (USA) 19.74 South American Championships: Cesar Almirón (PAR) 20.50 Asian Championships: Towa Uzawa (JPN) 20.12 NACAC Championships: Aaron Brown (CAN) 20.27
Season snapshot
Noah Lyles has turned himself into a world and Olympic champion over 100m but his natural home will always be the 200m, and that was never more obvious in a difficult season for the US sprinter.
He struggled to find his rhythm over 100m this year, coming off an early-season ankle injury, but over 200m he was again supreme when it counted, winning his fourth consecutive world title to equal Usain Bolt’s record run. He set the top two times of the year in Tokyo – 19.51 in the semi-final and 19.52 in the final (the same winning time he set in Budapest two years earlier).
This one was closer than most as perennial contender Kenny Bednarek claimed his fourth global silver medal over the distance (two Olympic and two world) in 19.58, his fastest at a major championship. Jamaican Bryan Levell, 21, also emerged as a legitimate contender, claiming the bronze in a personal best of 19.64.
Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo was beset by a range of niggling injuries this year, and did not approach the heights he reached in 2024. He finished outside the medals by just 0.01.
This was the first time that three, or even four, men had broken 19.70 in the same race, and the first time five men had finished inside 19.80, which underlines the quality of the event.
World Championships: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) 47.78 World Indoor Championships: Amber Anning (GBR) 50.60 Wanda Diamond League: Salwa Eid Naser (BRN) 48.70 South American Championships: Martina Weil (CHI) 51.14 Asian Championships: Nanako Matsumoto (JPN) 52.17 NACAC Championships: Nickisha Pryce (JAM) 49.95
Season snapshot
In the most intriguing move of the year, Olympic 400m hurdles champion and world record-holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone switched to the flat 400m, and the brilliant US sprinter delivered beyond all expectations, putting together the fastest 400m for 40 years, and the second-fastest in history (a championship record of 47.78) to dominate the world final.
She became the first athlete to win world titles over both 400m and 400m hurdles. It was sufficient for the one-lap queen to be recognized as the World Athletics Athlete of the Year for the second time in four years. Aged just 26, McLaughlin-Levrone already has four Olympic and five World Championships gold medals and her place in the pantheon is assured.
The proximity of Marita Koch’s world record of 47.60, which had stood unchallenged for four decades, may be enough to convince McLaughlin-Levrone to give the flat 400m another season in 2026. Alternatively, her 400m hurdles world record of 50.37 from the 2024 Olympics stands tantalizingly close to the 50-second barrier and offers the opportunity to become the first woman on a new planet there.
Her extraordinary excellence in a new event brought out the best in Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino, who also cracked the 48-second barrier in a brave attempt to defend to her pre-eminence in Tokyo. Paulino’s 47.98 lifted her to third on the world all-time list and marked the first race in history where two women broke 48 seconds.
2019 world champion Salwa Eid Naser’s bronze medal-winning time of 48.19 also ranks in the all-time top 10 (ninth), further confirming this as the fastest 400m race in history. Eid Naser’s moment in the sun came in the Diamond League final where she claimed her third title in a meeting record of 48.70, defeating Olympic champion Paulino (49.23).
Eid Naser ran 17 400m races this year, compared with Paulino’s 11 and McLaughlin-Levrone’s eight, of which only three were outside the US or World Championships. McLaughlin-Levrone races sparingly but is a master of peaking for the championships.
Briton Amber Anning broke through to win the world indoor title in Nanjing in 50.60, completing an undefeated short track season over the distance, and then held on to finish fifth in Tokyo.
World Championships: Busang Collen Kebinatshipi (BOT) 43.53 World Indoor Championships: Christopher Bailey (USA) 45.08 Wanda Diamond League: Jacory Patterson (USA) 43.85 South American Championships: Kelvis Padrino (VEN) 46.02 Asian Championships: Ammar Ismail Yahia Ibrahim (QAT) 45.33 NACAC Championships: Kirani James (GRN) 44.48
Season snapshot
Letsile Tebogo’s historic performance to claim victory in the 200m at the 2024 Olympics has sparked something in his native Botswana and that was particularly evident in the men’s 400m this year, where two of his compatriots Collen Kebinatshipi and Bayapo Ndori dominated the event. Ndori, 26, finished the year with the No.1 ranking, but the 2023 African U20 champion Kebinatshipi, still just 21, took the big prize, the world 400m title in Tokyo.
A silver medallist in the 4x400m relay at the 2024 Olympics, combining with Ndori, Tebogo, and Athony Pesela, Kebinatshipi was clearly inspired by the success of his teammates to excel in his own right this year. He finished third in the 400m at three consecutive Diamond League meetings in April-May but faded back into the pack mid-season before re-emerging to make an irresistible World Championships campaign.
He set a personal best of 43.61 in the semi-finals to declare his title challenge, then improved again in the final, to win with a world lead of 43.53, holding off Trinidad’s evergreen Jereem Richards, who set a national record of 43.72 for the silver medal, and Ndori, who also set a season’s best of 44.20 to claim the bronze. Kebinatshipi emulated Tebogo’s Olympic feat in becoming the first man from Botswana to win a world title.
Richards, 31, has long been a world-class sprinter, winning a World Championships bronze medal over 200m in London eight years ago, but his move to the 400m has earned bigger dividends, including the world indoor title in 2022, although he fell just short of the medals in Paris, finishing fourth. He was the only athlete from last year’s Olympic final to reach the world final this year, highlighting the turnover in the event this year.
Ndori looked like his country’s better prospect for much of the year, having dominated the early season internationally, winning the Diamond League meeting in Xiamen, and finishing second behind USA’s Jacory Patterson in the Diamond League final in Zurich, but he needed to find another level in Tokyo to top the podium.
Patterson had a strong season, taking the bronze behind US compatriot Christopher Bailey at the World Indoors in Nanjing, and winning the US title and three Diamond League meetings, setting a personal best of 43.85 in Zurich, but he had run his best race before he arrived in Tokyo in September, where he finished seventh in the final.
Goals, grit and more as first round clashes set the tone
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations began in Morocco with a first round that delivered everything the tournament promised: late drama, moments of individual brilliance, defensive resilience and early signs that no team will be given an easy passage.
Across the opening set of fixtures, 29 goals were scored in 12 matches, underlining the attacking intent on show, while six clean sheets — recorded by Morocco, DR Congo, Senegal, Algeria, Ivory Coast and Cameroon — highlighted the importance of organization in a competition where margins are already narrow.
Group A: Hosts settle, drama follows
Morocco carried the weight of expectation into the opening match and emerged with a controlled victory. Against a spirited Comoros side, the Atlas Lions showed patience and maturity, weathering early resistance before their quality told.
Comoros, however, left with credit. Well organised and fearless in approach, they competed for long spells and embodied a recurring theme of the first round: teams may lose, but character is non-negotiable at this AFCON.
The group’s other fixture delivered late drama, as Zambia struck in stoppage time to deny Mali victory. Mali’s control and Zambia’s resilience ensured Group A began with tension rather than clarity.
Group B: Fine margins and first statements
In Group B, South Africa secured a rare opening-round victory, edging their contest thanks to a decisive late goal from Lyle Foster. The result rewarded patience and discipline, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams providing calm authority at the back.
For Angola, defeat came despite a competitive display that suggested they will not be easily dismissed as the group unfolds.
Egypt left it late to claim maximum points after being led by Zimbabwe for most of the game. Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah did the job for the record winners.
Group C: Nigeria and Tunisia impress
Nigeria also made a winning start. The Super Eagles relied on composure rather than spectacle, with Ademola Lookman providing the decisive goal to secure three vital points and reinforce Nigeria’s habit of managing early tournament pressure.
Tunisia were equally convincing. Mohamed Elias Achouri struck a brace in a performance that combined efficiency with attacking fluency, immediately placing the Carthage Eagles among the early pace-setters.
Group D: Control and composure
DR Congo opened their campaign with a narrow but disciplined victory, keeping a clean sheet and showing tactical maturity in a tightly contested encounter.
Senegal laid down an early marker with a commanding win, blending control with clinical finishing. Nicolas Jackson scored twice, while Ndiaye got Senegal’s other goal.
Group E: Authority and late drama
Algeria delivered one of the standout performances of the first round, dispatching Sudan with authority. Captain Riyad Mahrez led from the front, scoring twice and dictating the tempo with intelligence and calm.
The group also produced one of the most dramatic finishes, as Burkina Faso overturned a late deficit to claim victory, underlining how quickly momentum can swing in this competition.
Group F: Champions and pragmatism
Defending champions Ivory Coast began their title defence with a narrow but professional win. Amad Diallo scored the match-winner and was named Man of the Match, his sharp movement and composure proving decisive.
Cameroon also started positively, grinding out victory through collective effort. Bryan Mbeumo provided the decisive assist and collected Man of the Match honors, reflecting a performance built on discipline as much as attacking quality.
Stars step forward early
Beyond results, the opening round offered a glimpse of the individuals shaping AFCON 2025.
Mahrez, Jackson and Achouri all struck braces, while Brahim Diaz announced his presence with a goal, Mohamed Salah once again carried Egypt’s attacking threat, supported by the energy and directness of Omar Marmoush. For Mali, Lassine Sinayoko combined a goal with relentless work rate, embodying their competitiveness while 2017 CAF young player of the year, Patson Daka reminded the continent of his predatory insticts.
At the other end of the pitch, Ronwen Williams reminded observers that goalkeeping excellence remains a decisive factor at this level.
A tournament taking shape
After one round, AFCON 2025 already feels finely balanced. Goals have flowed, but clean sheets have carried equal weight. Established contenders have delivered early, yet several teams — including Comoros, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Gabon and Angola — have shown enough belief to suggest surprises are inevitable.
The message from the opening week is clear: quality matters, character matters just as much — and the road to continental glory in Morocco will demand both.
Mohamed Salah of Egypt challenged by teenager Lingani Hadebe of Zimbabwe Image credit: CAFonline
The second round of group-stage matches at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is set to elevate the tournament from early promise to genuine intensity, with a run of heavyweight clashes and historic rivalries that could begin to define the path to the knockout stages from Friday, writes CAFonline.
After an opening round marked by goals, late drama and early statements of intent, the competition now moves into a phase where reputation, pedigree and psychology begin to matter just as much as form.
The first round produced 29 goals across 12 matches and six clean sheets, underlining a competition finely balanced between attacking ambition and defensive discipline. With margins already tight in most groups, the second set of fixtures arrives as a potential separator between contenders and chasers.
Several of Africa’s most decorated sides are set to collide over the next three days, while regional derbies add an extra edge to fixtures where pride often outweighs the points on offer.
Egypt vs South Africa: a familiar heavyweight duel
Egypt’s Marmoush Image credit: CAFonline
Friday’s meeting between Egypt and South Africa is one of the round’s headline encounters. These two sides share a long and often tense history at the Africa Cup of Nations, with their meetings frequently shaping tournament narratives.
Both teams opened with victories — Egypt relying once again on the decisive presence of Mohamed Salah, while South Africa edged past Angola through late composure and Lyle Foster’s calm finishing. With both sitting on three points, the contest carries significant weight in the battle for top spot in Group B.
Beyond the tactics, this is a clash defined by pedigree: seven-time champions against a side that has repeatedly proven capable of upsetting Africa’s elite.
With both sides opened with victories, and with attacking quality on both benches, the contest could prove decisive in determining who tops the group. Angola and Zimbabwe, beaten in their openers, face a must-win encounter earlier in the day.
Morocco at home, Mali loaded with talent
Mali’s Yves Bissouma is doubtful to play
Later on Friday, hosts Morocco face Mali in a match layered with symbolism. Morocco arrive as Africa’s first-ever World Cup semi-finalists, buoyed by home support and early composure, but Mali bring a squad brimming with athleticism, intensity and technical quality.
Brahim Díaz’s goal in the opener signaled Morocco’s attacking threat, yet Mali’s midfield energy — driven by Lassine Sinayoko’s relentless work rate — ensures this will be far from routine. For Mali, a positive result would dramatically shift the balance in Group A. Zambia clash with Comoros in the group’s other game on Friday.
Senegal vs DR Congo: power meets discipline
Nicolas Jackson of Senegal celebrates after scoring a goal during 2025 Africa Cup of Nations match between Senegal and Botswana Image credit: CAFonline
Saturday’s showdown between Senegal and DR Congo in Tangier promises another bruising encounter. Meetings between these sides have rarely lacked intensity, and both arrive with confidence after opening-round wins and clean sheets.
Senegal’s authority was underlined by Nicolas Jackson’s brace, while Iliman Ndiaye dictated tempo and movement. DR Congo, meanwhile, showed tactical maturity and defensive discipline, suggesting they will not be easily overrun.
With elite talent across both squads, this fixture could prove decisive in determining who controls Group D. Benin will take on Botswana in the group’s other game on the day.
Nigeria vs Tunisia: pedigree and pressure
Saturday night brings together Nigeria — finalists at the last AFCON — and a Tunisian side that arrived in Morocco with a flawless qualifying campaign and followed it up with an assured opening victory.
Nigeria’s win was built on composure and individual quality, with Ademola Lookman once again stepping up in key moments. Tunisia, powered by Mohamed Elias Achouri’s attacking efficiency, have shown a ruthless edge that makes them dangerous opponents for anyone.
This is a clash of two sides accustomed to tournament football — disciplined, streetwise and rarely overwhelmed by occasion.
Cote d’Ivoire vs Cameroon: rivals renewed
Sunday’s meeting between title holders Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon is steeped in history. As defending champions, the Elephants know victory would give them control of Group F, but Cameroon’s narrow opening win highlighted their trademark resilience.
These two perennial rivals have produced some of AFCON’s most explosive encounters, and with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo already influential, the contest is rich with attacking quality and emotional charge.
Derbies and danger elsewhere
Beyond the glamour ties, the regional derby between Tanzania and Uganda adds another layer to the second round. Neighbors with deep familiarity, matches between the two are traditionally fiery, intense and unpredictable — often defying form and expectation.
Algeria’s clash with Burkina Faso also carries weight. Algeria’s emphatic opening display, led by Riyad Mahrez, meets a Burkina Faso side buoyed by late drama and belief. Both know victory would virtually secure qualification.
A tournament sharpening quickly
Fiston Kalala Mayele of DR Congo challenged by Olivier Verdon of Benin Image credit: CAFonline
After one round, AFCON 2025 already feels unforgiving. Established contenders are being tested early, while emerging sides continue to show resilience and ambition.
As rivalries resurface and heavyweight squads collide, the second round promises not just entertainment, but clarity — revealing who is ready to go deep, and who may already be running out of room for error.
Six Continental Classic Matches, Three Spots in Semifinals Up For Grabs, More
Merry Christmas! We are back for another fantastic night in the historic Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City for AEW Christmas Collision! This special Christmas night edition begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on TNT and streaming on HBO Max, just two days from AEW Worlds End in Chicago, this Saturday, Dec. 27, on HBO Max PPV!
We’ve reached the final night of league matches in the Continental Classic, and three of the four semifinal spots for Worlds End are yet to be determined. IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita is the only person to clinch a semifinal berth so far, with 10 points. He could also win the Blue League if he beats Máscara Dorada, who is still alive with six points.
Elsewhere in the Blue League, Jon Moxley and Orange Cassidy will battle, with both men still in the hunt as part of a 3-way logjam at six points. And while Roderick Strong is mathematically eliminated, he has one last chance to score points against the man currently sitting in second place in the Blue League with seven points, Claudio Castagnoli.
In the Gold League, all six competitors are tied with six points. AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada needs a win to keep his hopes of returning to the C2 semifinals alive, while his opponent, “Speedball” Mike Bailey, is looking to make the final four in his first C2. Bailey’s partner, “The Jet” Kevin Knight, has his own chance at a semifinal berth as he faces “The Bastard” PAC. And Kyle Fletcher will try to make a return visit to the C2 semifinals against “Jungle” Jack Perry, who has proven he’ll bite his way to Chicago if need be. By the end of the night, we’ll know who is heading to Worlds End, for the Continental Classic Semifinals!
AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions The Babes of Wrath, Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron, will take on Maya World and Hyan, just two days before their first defense of the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championships against TBS Champion Mercedes Moné & ROH Women’s World Champion Athena!
All that and more will go down tonight on AEW Christmas Collision in New York City! Here’s your complete AEW Christmas Collision preview for December 25, 2025.
AEW Christmas Collision Matches, Preview for Thursday, December 25
Continental Classic Blue League: Jon Moxley (6 points) vs. Orange Cassidy (6 points)
With plenty of history between these two and a chance to go to the C2 semifinals, this one could be quite a battle. Moxley was facing elimination entering Week 4 after losing two matches the week before, although that would be a distant memory if he can beat Cassidy. Meanwhile, Cassidy is looking to make his first C2 semifinals.
Who will take the latest showdown in this epic rivalry? And will it be enough to clinch a spot in the semifinals at Worlds End?
Continental Classic Gold League: AEW Unified Champion “The Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada (6 points) vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey (6 points)
Could the defending Continental Classic Champion, Kazuchika Okada, actually not make it back to the C2 semifinals? That’s the prospect facing Okada tonight.
Of course, Bailey would love to be the one to eliminate Okada and make the semifinals in his first C2. Every match tonight has the chance to be a tournament-changer; can Okada get it done, or will we be guaranteed a new Continental Champion at Worlds End?
Continental Classic Blue League: IWGP World Heavyweight Champion “The Alpha” Konosuke Takeshita (10 points) vs. Máscara Dorada (6 points)
Takeshita has already locked up a spot in the C2 Semifinals, but he has a chance to make some history tonight. With a win over Dorada, Takeshita would get to 13 points to win the Blue League and set a record for most points scored in league matches.
However, Dorada is still alive and has already defeated Claudio Castagnoli and Roderick Strong. Will Dorada hand Takeshita his first loss, or will The Alpha continue his dominance as he heads into Worlds End?
Continental Classic Blue League: Claudio Castagnoli (7 points) vs. Roderick Strong (0 points)
A win for Castagnoli would clinch the other spot in the Blue League alongside Takeshita, but he’ll have to face an old foe to get the job done.
Strong is winless so far and is already mathematically eliminated, but he has a chance to play spoiler for Castagnoli’s chances of moving on to Worlds End. Will the third C2 be the charm for Claudio, or is Roddy’s pride enough for him to fight for the win tonight?
Continental Classic Gold League: “The Protostar” Kyle Fletcher (6 points) vs. “Jungle” Jack Perry (6 points)
After winning his first two matches, Fletcher has dropped decisions to “Speedball” Mike Bailey and PAC. Perry, on the other hand, won his last two matches and could turn a replacement run into a spot in the semifinals.
Will Fletcher make it back to the semis for the second straight year and guarantee the Don Callis Family multiple chances to win on Saturday? Or can Perry bite, claw and scratch his way to a third straight win to keep hope alive?
Continental Classic Gold League: “The Jet” Kevin Knight (6 points) vs. PAC (6 points)
The six-way tie in the Gold League has been the result of an incredibly unpredictable tournament so far on this side of the group stage. Knight beat Okada last Saturday, just days after Okada beat PAC. PAC beat Kyle Fletcher last night, but Knight couldn’t get the job done when he took on Fletcher earlier this month.
Knight has proven unshakeable even under the biggest spotlight of his career. PAC might be the most dangerous athlete in this tournament. That’s a fantastic clash of styles and personalities coming together for this pivotal matchup!
Non-Title Tag Team Match: AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions The Babes of Wrath (Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron) vs. Maya World & Hyan
In two days at Worlds End, Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron will defend their AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championships against the team they defeated in the opening round of the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Tournament, TBS Champion Mercedes Moné and ROH Women’s World Champion Athena.
Before that massive championship showdown, The Babes of Wrath will be in action against the upstart team of Maya World and Hyan tonight in New York City!
December 24, 2025 — Takeshita Clinches Spot in Continental Classic Semis, Bandido Wins Dynamite Diamond Ring, More
AEW Dynamite on 34th Street on TBS and HBO Max came your way from New York City, as we were thrilled to be back in the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom for the second straight year for Christmas!
We saw IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita become the first person to clinch a spot in the Continental Classic Semifinals with his victory over Orange Cassidy in the Blue League. Also in the Blue League, Máscara Dorada kept his hopes alive by beating Roderick Strong. And with “Jungle” Jack Perry’s win over PAC in the main event, we’ll head into the final night of league action with a six-way tie in the Gold League!
MJF had a triumphant return to action, but he paid the consequences for his pointed words towards his Worlds End opponents by getting a beatdown both verbally and physically from “Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland.
The ROH World Champion, Bandido, defeated AEW National Champion Ricochet to win the Dynamite Diamond Ring and earn a guaranteed shot at the AEW World Championship on January 14 in Phoenix at AEW Dynamite Maximum Carnage.
Plus, AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander and Jamie Hayer came face-to-face during an interview that nearly came to blows, and Marina Shafir beat Mina Shirakawa, then dropped Toni Storm. Also, Gabe Kidd threw Darby Allin down a flight of stairs!
Here’s everything that happened on AEW Dynamite on 34th Street in New York City on Christmas Eve, including your full results and match recaps.
AEW Dynamite on 34th Street Recap Tonight for New York
Continental Classic Blue League: IWGP World Heavyweight Champion “The Alpha” Konosuke Takeshita (10 points) defeats Orange Cassidy (6 points)
A merry Christmas Eve began with a showdown of two of AEW’s best in front of a festive Hammerstein Ballroom. At the bell, Cassidy threw his glasses at Takeshita, who went to pick them up, so Cassidy rolled him up for a two count, and this one nearly ended quickly! Takeshita sent Cassidy to the corner, but Cassidy avoided Takeshita and executed a hurricanrana into another nearfall. Cassidy captured Takeshita in another pinning predicament and was a hundredth of a second away from giving Takeshita his first loss! An angry Takeshita chopped Cassidy and hit a big boot to knock Cassidy to the outside.
Takeshita chased after and punished Cassidy on the outside with a clear focus on Cassidy’s injured back. They returned to the ring, where Takeshita continued the assault on Cassidy’s back. Cassidy turned things around by running Takeshita up and down the apron into the turnbuckles. He followed with a pair of DDTs and then hit multiple series of punches with Takeshita down in the corner. Cassidy put his hands in his pockets and angered Takeshita with devastating kicks to the shins. Cassidy needed three dropkicks to put Takeshita down, but Takeshita came roaring back with a Blue Thunder Bomb! Takeshita worked over Cassidy on the outside and kept the attack on the lower back going in the ring.
Cassidy hit a PK to a downed Takeshita to get back in it, but then found himself in the corner with Takeshita looking for a super Raging Fire. However, Cassidy was able to reverse it into a second-rope Stundog Millionaire! Takeshita bailed to the floor, so Cassidy followed with a dive into a DDT on the outside! Cassidy threw Takeshita back in, only to walk into a giant boot by Takeshita that got a nearfall! Takeshita was bleeding from the mouth and was clearly furious! Multiple reversals between the two saw Cassidy get a two-count before Takeshita caught him with a devastating wheelbarrow suplex. Cassidy got up and missed an Orange Punch, which allowed Takeshita to hit a big forearm strike, so Cassidy came back with an Orange Punch that connected on the second attempt!
The two fought on the apron, where Cassidy hit a Beach Break on the corner of the ring! As the referee counted both men on the outside, Takeshita tried to shove Cassidy into the guard rail to beat the count, but he missed a running boot, and Cassidy knocked him into the crowd! Cassidy returned to the ring and seemed to have a countout victory in hand, but Takeshita dove in at the last possible moment to keep the match alive. Cassidy was ready for Takeshita and got a pair of nearfalls, but The Alpha stopped an Orange Punch to go for Raging Fire, which Cassidy was able to reverse into another two-count. Takeshita picked Cassidy off the mat to hit Raging Fire for the pinfall victory. Takeshita has 10 points and is the first man to clinch a spot in the Continental Classic Semifinals on Saturday at AEW Worlds End!
Gabe Kidd Has Darby Allin and Revenge on His Mind
Kidd sat on the exact steps that the Death Riders tossed Darby Allin down last year, as we saw highlights of the dangerous lengths both Kidd and Allin have gone to in an effort to destroy each other. Kidd said he can see the world crashing down around Allin and begged for him at Worlds End!
Bang Bang Gang Wants FTR in a Chicago Street Fight!
Bang Bang Gang gave praise to FTR, saying that no one disagrees that they’re one of the best tag teams to ever do it, but said they weren’t the best tag team when they faced off in Manchester for the AEW World Tag Team Titles last week. There was confusion, and the referee caught a foot on the ropes that might or might not have happened before the three count, so Juice Robinson said they should get rid of all the ropes and all the rules. They challenged FTR to a Street Fight in Chicago!
Strong is mathematically eliminated, while Dorada needs to win to stay alive. Dorada escaped Strong’s attempts to keep him grounded by turning Strong’s mat work into offense of his own. Dorada started to get into more of his high-flying offense with a kick to the side of Strong’s head, followed by an arm drag to send Strong to the outside. Dorada fired up the crowd for a dive, but Strong moved. Dorada chased after only for Strong to scoop him up into a backbreaker on the apron! Now, Strong had the full advantage and put all his focus on Dorada’s back for the next several minutes.
Dorada got back into the match by engaging Strong in a strike battle and staying a step ahead of him by leaping to the top rope and coming off for an armdrag. Dorada took Strong over with a headscissors to the outside and followed him out to hit an armdrag off the apron. Dorada threw Strong back in and was on the money with a senton bomb from the top, but it only got a two. Dorada went back to the top, but this time, Strong moved, and Dorada landed on his feet. Strong hit a pair of big boots and then dumped Dorada neck-first on the top turnbuckle before following with a running boot and a face-first slam to the mat. Dorada battled out of that pin attempt to kick out at two, so Strong stayed on him with a Sick Kick that got another two-count.
Dorada escaped a double-underhook to catch Strong with a hurricanrana to get a near-fall. Strong hit a uranage backbreaker across his knee and called for the end. He lifted Dorada for End of Heartache, but Dorada escaped and then kicked Strong in the side of the jaw. With Strong down, Dorada went to the top and nailed a shooting star press to get the win and three significant points. He stays alive in the Blue League with six points while Strong remains winless.
AEW Earns Many Year-End Accolades from Sports Illustrated
Among the many year-end awards given out by Sports Illustrated, AEW took home both Female and Male Wrestler of the Year thanks to Mercedes Moné and “Hangman” Adam Page. FTR won Tag Team of the Year, and “The Protostar” Kyle Fletcher was named Breakout Wrestler of the Year. And Will Ospreay won Best in the Ring! AEW also took home Show of the Year for Double or Nothing, as well as “Timeless” Toni Storm winning Best on the Mic and “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Jon Moxley earning Rivalry of the Year honors. With all those honors, it shouldn’t be a surprise that AEW won Promotion of the Year! Thanks to Sports Illustrated and our great AEW fans!
AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander and Jamie Hayter Face-to-Face Interview
Standing on top of the ramp, Renee Paquette introduced Statlander and her challenger, Hayter, for this face-to-face interview. Statlander and Hayter did shake hands before Paquette began. However, that pot was stirred immediately when Paquette asked Statlander how she felt about giving Hayter this opportunity, only for Hayter to take out Statlander and pose with her AEW Women’s World Championship last week on Collision Holiday Bash. Statlander said she gave Hayter this shot because she knows what it’s like to be at the top and lose it all. She lost friends, her knees were shredded, but she came back and won the AEW Women’s World Championship. She doesn’t want Hayter to dwell on the past.
Statlander made it clear, “So don’t pity me for what I’ve been through. Fear me for what I’ve become!”
While Statlander knows Hayter said she’ll be bringing someone different to Worlds End, Statlander knew that sounded familiar because that’s what she’s become. Hayter may have beaten her before, but that was before Statlander became the Cosmic Killer. She told Hayter to prove to her and the world that she deserved to reclaim her throne.
Paquette asked Hayter if she had anything to add. Hayter said, “Oh, I have plenty of things to add.” And with that, she tried to throw a lariat, only for Statlander to catch it. Hayter said, “Just remember, mate, the last time I hit you with this, you didn’t get back up!”
Referees got between the two before they could come into any further contact.
MJF defeats Dustin Waller, Taken Out by Hangman and Swerve
MJF took Waller down at the bell and rained down punches on him with an undeniable intensity. He followed with a back elbow and then took his time running his crotch into Waller’s face. Waller chopped MJF, so MJF slapped him to the mat and captured him in a hammerlock DDT before locking on Salt of the Earth for a speedy tap-out victory.
MJF grabbed the mic, but before he was able to speak, we heard the music of “Hangman” Adam Page, who appeared on the balcony! Then Swerve’s music hit, and he was in a different part of the balcony with Prince Nana! Page reminded MJF of the contractual agreement that they couldn’t touch, which was left in Manchester, so he dared MJF to make another lowbrow, misogynistic joke because he knows the casting directors and people he works with in Hollywood would love to hear them. Page and Swerve started to make their way to the ring, with Page reminding MJF that he beat him twice this year. And no matter what MJF says tonight, he’s getting his ass beat!
The Opps Dojo ran out to go after Swerve and Hangman, but they took care of them and had MJF surrounded until MJF ducked, and they almost took out each other with chains! Then we heard Samoa Joe, who was in the back, say that he put together that training exercise to show who Swerve and Page truly are. Joe said he’ll be coming for all of them and will end their hopes and dreams at Worlds End. MJF tried to sneak in from behind on Swerve, but he ducked, and Page nailed MJF with a fist wrapped in a chain. Swerve nailed a House Call on MJF, so Page wrapped the chain around MJF’s neck, as Swerve took the mic.
He said he wanted to tell everyone something that MJF doesn’t want you to know. MJF doesn’t hate all of you. In fact, he likes all of you and every place they go because he lives off your likes and adulation, which feeds his ego. Swerve said MJF is the toxic combination of being a terrible person with power. He made MJF stay awake, as MJF was fading in the choke of the chain. Then, he reminded MJF of everyone who fell victim to being alongside him, including The Pinnacle, Wardlow, and Adam Cole. Swerve makes everyone around him better, and will always be better than MJF as an actor, wrestler, and husband. Whose House?
AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions The Babes of Wrath are Ready for Their First Defense
Renee Paquette was with Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron ahead of their AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship match at Worlds End against TBS Champion Mercedes Moné and ROH Women’s World Champion Athena. But first, they’ll face Maya World and Hyan on Christmas Collision, as Cameron said they like “the cut of their jib.” Cameron and Nightingale hyped each other up and even had Paquette join in to end the interview!
Dynamite Diamond Ring Final: ROH World Champion Bandido defeats AEW National Champion Ricochet, Earns AEW World Title Shot at Maximum Carnage
While Ricochet was backed up by Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun of The Demand, Bandido came out alone, although he was wearing the mask, chain, and ring jacket of his partner, Brody King. Ricochet messed with the crowd instead of paying attention to Bandido, as they were clearly in favor of the ROH World Champion. Bandido took Ricochet down for a brief moment and tried to do the Macarena, so Ricochet nailed him and tried to send him over the top. Ricochet tried to dance, so Bandido slapped him in the back of the head! Bandido ate a chop and then sent Ricochet over the top onto the corner of the apron with a one-handed press slam! He performed the Macarena to celebrate! Unfortunately, that celebration gave Ricochet time to recover, so when Bandido went out to chase him, Ricochet was ready and sent Bandido back-first into the steps! Ricochet threw Bandido back in to continue to work on Bandido’s back.
Bandido tried to fight back, but Ricochet kept cutting him off. Ricochet hit a Northern Lights suplex, a vertical suplex, and then a third on the apron. On the floor, Bandido reversed Ricochet into a suplex of his own! Back in the ring, the two traded near-falls until Ricochet pulled Bandido’s hair into Vertigo, but a sloppy cover only got him a two. Ricochet missed a Spirit Gun, but nailed a kick and tried for a Benadriller only for Bandido to turn into a Poisonrana! Ricochet flipped out of a 21 Plex attempt and sat on top of Bandido to get another two-count! Bandido popped Ricochet out of a hurricanrana attempt into a Liger Bomb, but Ricochet kicked out! Bandido missed a frog splash, only to come back with a massive thrust kick. Bandido nailed the X Knee and tried for the 21 Plex, but Kaun held Ricochet as the referee was distracted by Liona. Ricochet took that chance to hit a mule kick low blow, but when he went for a Spirit Gun, Bandido reversed the momentum into a pin for the three count! Ricochet immediately attacked after the bell, only for King to run out to save his partner!
King presented Bandido with the Dynamite Diamond Ring, as he’ll now await the winner of this Saturday’s 4-Way AEW World Championship match to see who he’ll challenge for the AEW World Title at Dynamite Maximum Carnage on January 14!
Darby Allin Thrown Down Familiar Steps by Gabe Kidd!
Somewhere in the bowels of the building, Lexy Nair caught up with Darby Allin and congratulated him for being medically cleared. As Allin spoke to Nair about Gabe Kidd’s challenge earlier in the night, we could see Gabe Kidd coming down the stairs behind him. Allin said he had bigger things to worry about than Gabe Kidd. As he said that, Kidd attacked, and the camera went out, but we could hear the attack. When the camera came back, Kidd dragged Allin to the top of the stairs, where he had been thrown down a year ago. Kidd yelled at Allin about having bigger things to worry about and threw him down the stairs!
Marina Shafir def. Mina Shirakawa
Before the match, we saw Shirakawa tell “Timeless” Toni Storm to stay in the back because she needed to fight for Storm tonight. Shirakawa came out hot out of the gate with strikes in the corner, followed by a focused attack on Shafir’s knee. Shirakawa hit a tornillo splash from the outside in, but only got a one count. Shirakawa stayed on the move and knocked Shafir down with a dropkick from the top! Shafir fought through it and slammed Mina to the mat to swing the match in her favor!
Shirakawa was in trouble for several minutes until she was able to hit a Slingblade from the top rope! That got her a two-count, so the two got into a strike battle, which Shirakawa won and locked in the figure four! Shafir escaped by snapping Shirakawa’s fingers, so Shirakawa came back with an uraken, though with her injured fingers, it didn’t have its full effect. Shafir shook it off and locked in Mother’s Milk, and Shirakawa passed out immediately. The win wasn’t enough for Shafir, so she locked in Mother’s Milk again, which brought out Storm to make the save. Shafir was waiting and knocked out Storm with one swift kick that dropped Storm on top of Shirakawa. Shafir flipped off the crowd as she exited, following the damage she did to Timeless Love Bombs.
The Elite are Reunited, but the Young Bucks are Injured
After last week’s million-dollar win at Holiday Bash, Lexy Nair caught up with Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks to ask about the rumor that Matt and Nick Jackson are injured and won’t be cleared for some time. Matt said it was bittersweet because they got the money, but they won’t be cleared for the rest of the year. Omega said while they are out and rest up, he needs to take care of something by himself that he should have done a long time ago.
Continental Classic Gold League: “Jungle” Jack Perry (6 points) defeats PAC (6 points)
Our main event was a first-time matchup between these two Day 1 AEW wrestlers, and both men were wrestling for the first time in the Hammerstein Ballroom. Renee Paquette delivered her match report from ringside, including a quote from PAC, who said he was going to hit Perry so hard, he’d wake up back in a loincloth.
Perry tried to out wrestle PAC at the outset, and it worked until PAC bailed to the outside. Perry followed with a baseball slide into a bulldog on the floor. Perry immediately clobbered PAC with a dive and threw him back into the ring so that he could come off the top with an elbow to a standing PAC. That got him a one count, so Perry went to the opposite corner, but PAC bailed to the floor. Perry went after him, so PAC snatched him with a snap suplex on the ground. Perry’s ankle injury was clearly bothering him. PAC tried to inflict as much punishment as possible on the outside before throwing Perry back in so he could come off the top with a dropkick. That got PAC a two-count, so he stayed on the offensive only for Perry to cut him off with a superkick!
The two traded blows until Perry hit a suplex. Perry fought out of the corner and then ran up the turnbuckles to hit a German suplex! Perry nailed a running, flying DDT for another near-fall, although his ankle was still a problem. Perry went for his patented running knee strike, but PAC was ready for him and booted Perry in the face. Perry charged at PAC, so he threw Perry over his head into the turnbuckles head over heels at the 10-minute mark!
PAC put Perry on the top rope for an avalanche belly-to-belly suplex! PAC was slow to get to Perry for the pin attempt, so Perry was able to kick out to stay alive. PAC taunted the beaten Perry in the corner, but Perry booted his way out. He chased PAC into the other corner, but got a boot of his own. PAC jumped over Perry and connected with a thrust kick. Perry stopped the charging PAC with a superkick and a poisonrana! PAC stepped out of Perry’s path to send him into the ropes, but Perry came back with a massive clothesline for another near-fall! PAC caught a running knee, and the two traded kicks until Perry hit a back suplex. He nailed the running knee on PAC, but when he lay on PAC for the cover, PAC turned it into the Brutalizer. Perry escaped by getting to the ropes, only for PAC to get a head of steam for a big clothesline. PAC tried to get the Brutalizer on again, so Perry reversed it into a near-fall. PAC went back to the Brutalizer, but Perry bit his way out! PAC brought Perry up to his feet, but Perry leapt into a cazadora pin to get the victory! Perry moves to six points, and we have a six-way tie between all the competitors in the Gold League heading into the final night of league matches tomorrow on Christmas Collision! Santa Luchasaurus brought out some cookies and milk for Perry to celebrate with the crowd! Merry Christmas Eve, and we’ll see you tomorrow night right back in New York City!
