Sun Dec 28 19:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the AFCON updates, focusing on the key results and the heavyweight clash:
Headline: AFCON Roundup: Mozambique Stuns Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon Face Off in Group F Decider
Marrakech, Morocco – The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continued its thrilling week with a day of surprising results and a highly anticipated heavyweight showdown.
The biggest shock of the day came in Group F, where Mozambique secured their first AFCON victory since 1986, defeating Gabon 3-2. The historic win gives Mozambique a crucial boost in their quest to advance to the knockout stages. Elias Pelembe, Mozambique’s 42-year-old captain, was a toddler when they last won an AFCON match.
In Group E, Sudan improved their chances of progressing to the knockout stage with a narrow 1-0 win against Equatorial Guinea.
Elsewhere, Algeria were leading Burkina Faso 1-0 with 10 minutes to go thanks to a Riyad Mahrez penalty.
Tonight’s main event features a Group F clash between reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon at the Stade de Marrakech. Both teams are coming off 1-0 victories in their opening matches and are vying for the top spot in the group.
Côte d’Ivoire starting XI is: Fofana; Doué, Koussounou, N’Dicka, Konan; Kessié, Fofana, Sangaré; Amad, Bayo, Diomande.
Cameroon will field the following XI: Epassy; Malone, Kotto, Tolo; Tchamadeu, Avom, Baleba, Namaso, Yongwa; Mbeumo, Kofane.
Wilfried Zaha started on the bench, while Cameroon opted for Christian Kofane over Karl Etta Eyong. A draw in this match would almost certainly guarantee both teams a place in the last 16, considering the four best third-placed teams also advance.
[Optional: Add a quote from a coach or player from one of the teams]
[Optional: Include a brief analysis of the key matchups in the Côte d’Ivoire vs. Cameroon game]