RABAT: The latest round in the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations delivered drama across multiple fixtures as teams looked to strengthen their bids for knockout-stage qualification. From historic wins to decisive qualifications, it was a compelling day of African football.

The standout feature of the day was the Group F heavyweight clash between Cameroon and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire. In front of an enthusiastic crowd in Marrakech, the two giants played out an entertaining 1–1 draw that keeps both firmly in contention for the last-16.

Côte d’Ivoire, under pressure to defend their title, controlled much of the early play but could not break the deadlock in the first half. The breakthrough came after the break when Amad Diallo produced a moment of individual brilliance, curling a superb strike into the net to give the Elephants the lead.

Cameroon responded swiftly with Junior Tchamadeu’s effort, taking a big deflection off Ghislain Konan, loopin over the goalkeeper to restore parity.

Despite late opportunities for both sides, neither could find a winner. The draw leaves both teams level on four points in Group F, with their final matches on New Year’s Eve set to decide who tops the group and who finishes second.

For Cameroon, the result confirms another positive step in their campaign, while the defending champions will take encouragement from their performance despite dropping two points at a crucial moment.

Earlier in Group F, Mozambique produced a historic result, securing their first-ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations finals. The Mambas defeated Gabon 3-2 in Agadir, ending a 40-year wait for a victory in the tournament.

Mozambique raced into a two-goal lead courtesy of strikes from Faisal Bangal and a penalty from Geny Catamo, before Diogo Calila added a third to seal a memorable day. Although Gabon responded through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Moucketou-Moussounda, the comeback fell short.

This result puts Mozambique level on three points alongside Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, giving them a real chance of reaching the knockout stages — a remarkable achievement for a team still chasing its first AFCON win.

In Group E, Algeria secured their place in the Round of 16 with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Burkina Faso. A Riyad Mahrez penalty proved decisive, confirming the Desert Foxes’ progression and keeping them top of the table with two wins from two.

The Algerian captain’s calm finish from the spot midway through the first half was enough to separate the sides in a tight contest, and Algeria’s solid defensive performance ensured they preserved their advantage.

With six points from two games, Algeria now await the final round of group fixtures with top spot already secured. Burkina Faso remain in the hunt but will need a strong final match to confirm second place.

Elsewhere in Group E, Sudan stunned Equatorial Guinea with a narrow 1–0 win, sparking scenes of celebration. The sole goal came from an own-goal, providing the Falcons with a crucial three points and keeping their hopes of progression alive.

This result shakes up Group E, with Sudan joining Burkina Faso on three points — setting up a dramatic final matchday where both will battle for qualification.

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