{"id":208018,"date":"2025-12-28T15:01:09","date_gmt":"2025-12-28T15:01:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/208018\/"},"modified":"2025-12-28T15:01:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T15:01:09","slug":"live-afcon-2025-rolling-updates-of-todays-action-and-key-moments-28-december","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/208018\/","title":{"rendered":"LIVE: AFCON 2025 &#8211; Rolling updates of today\u2019s action and key moments (28 December)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>14:46 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1739\" data-end=\"2071\">There is, however, a compelling subplot. Equatorial Guinea boast an impressive record in second group matches at AFCON, having never lost in this fixture across four previous tournaments. Sudan, on the other hand, have often responded positively after opening-day defeats under Kwesi Appiah \u2014 a pattern they will hope to repeat.<\/p>\n<p>14:44 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1461\" data-end=\"1719\">History favours Equatorial Guinea. The two sides have never met at AFCON finals, but their only previous encounters came in qualification for the 2019 tournament, both of which were won by Equatorial Guinea \u2014 including a commanding 4\u20131 away victory in Sudan.<\/p>\n<p>14:42 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1157\" data-end=\"1441\">Sudan, meanwhile, are seeking to halt a worrying AFCON trend. Their opening defeat to Algeria extended a winless run at the finals that now stretches to eight matches. Goals have been particularly hard to come by, with Sudan finding the net just once in their last five AFCON outings.<\/p>\n<p>14:40 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"814\" data-end=\"1137\">Equatorial Guinea come into this match still feeling the sting of a dramatic 2\u20131 defeat to Burkina Faso, where they conceded twice deep into stoppage time after taking the lead. That collapse marked the first time they have ever lost an AFCON match after scoring first \u2014 a statistic they will be desperate to correct today.<\/p>\n<p>14:33 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"553\" data-end=\"794\">The Stade Mohamed V begins to fill as supporters from both camps arrive knowing the significance of the afternoon ahead. With both teams beaten on Matchday One, this fixture already carries the weight of a must-not-lose encounter in Group E.<\/p>\n<p>14:32 GMT\u00a0<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"42\" data-end=\"472\">As the dust settles in Agadir following Mozambique\u2019s vital 2\u20131 victory over Gabon, attention now shifts north to Casablanca, where another Group E survival battle is fast approaching. Up next at the Stade Mohamed V is a meeting between Equatorial Guinea and Sudan, two sides still searching for their first points at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.<\/p>\n<p>14:31 GMT \u2013 FULL-TIME<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1941\" data-end=\"2243\">The final whistle sounds in Agadir. Mozambique secure a crucial 3-2 victory over Gabon, registering their first win of the tournament and keeping their Group F qualification hopes alive. Gabon are left with work to do in their final group match after a spirited second-half effort falls just short.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1941\" data-end=\"2243\">14:23 GMT\u00a0<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1908\">Seven minutes of added time are signalled. The stadium rises as Gabon push for one last chance, while Mozambique focus solely on seeing out the result.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1908\">14:09 GMT GOAL &#8211; GABON<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5024\" data-end=\"5154\">Gabon 2, Mozambique 3. Goal! \u00a0Alex Moucketou-Moussounda (Gabon) scored with a right-footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal following a corner.<\/p>\n<p>14:05 GMT\u00a0<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1561\" data-end=\"1732\">Late pressure from Gabon as they throw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Mozambique defend deep, with goalkeeper Ernan Siluane commanding his area confidently.<\/p>\n<p>14:00 GMT\u00a0<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1122\" data-end=\"1315\">Mozambique remain compact and disciplined defensively, absorbing pressure and slowing the game down whenever possible. Gabon\u2019s attacks are increasingly direct as frustration begins to creep in.<\/p>\n<p>13:45 GMT GOAL &#8211; MOZAMBIQUE<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5024\" data-end=\"5154\">Gabon 1, Mozambique 3. Goal! Diogo Calila (Mozambique) header from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Witi with a cross.<\/p>\n<p>Second Half<br \/>\n13:38 GMT \u2013 SECOND HALF UNDERWAY<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"675\" data-end=\"870\">We are back underway at the Stade d\u2019Adrar. Gabon get the second half started as they chase an equaliser, while Mozambique look to protect their narrow advantage and exploit spaces on the counter.<\/p>\n<p>13:21 GMT \u2013 HALF-TIME<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"216\" data-end=\"601\">The referee brings the first half to a close in Agadir with Mozambique holding a 2\u20131 lead. A lively opening period saw Mozambique punish Gabon\u2019s defensive lapses, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang\u2019s late strike has given the Panthers renewed belief heading into the second half. With qualification hopes on the line, the next 45 minutes promise urgency and intensity from both sides.<\/p>\n<p>13:21 GMT \u2013 HALF-TIME<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5355\" data-end=\"5499\">The referee brings the first half to a close. A tense, evenly balanced opening 45 minutes with both teams cautious, knowing the stakes involved with Mozambique leading 2-1. The second half will be interesting.<\/p>\n<p>13:20 GMT GOAL &#8211; GABON<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5024\" data-end=\"5154\">Gabon 1, Mozambique 2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores with right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. This was after\u00a0Didier Ndong (Gabon) right footed shot from outside the box was punched into play by the goalkeeper Ernan Siluane (Mozambique) allowing Aubameyang to pounce.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>13:15 GMT (40\u2019)<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5180\" data-end=\"5317\">Midfield battle intensifies. Didier Ndong influential for Gabon, dictating play and keeping the Panthers ticking as half-time approaches.<\/p>\n<p>13:11 GMT GOAL &#8211; MOZAMBIQUE<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5024\" data-end=\"5154\">Gabon 0, Mozambique 2.\u00a0Geny Catamo (Mozambique) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom left corner.<\/p>\n<p>13:09 GMT PENALTY FOR &#8211; MOZAMBIQUE<\/p>\n<p>Penalty conceded by Bruno Ecuele Manga (Gabon) after a foul in the penalty area. Domingu\u00eas draws a foul in the penalty area. Bruno Ecuele Manga (Gabon) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.<\/p>\n<p>13:07 GMT GOAL &#8211; MOZAMBIQUE<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5024\" data-end=\"5154\">Gabon 0, Mozambique 1. Faizal Bangal (Mozambique) header from very close range to the top left corner. Assisted by Geny Catamo with a cross following a corner.<\/p>\n<p>13:00 GMT (30\u2019)<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5024\" data-end=\"5154\">The tempo increases. Mozambique showing more ambition going forward, with Mexer forcing Gabon\u2019s defence into a hurried clearance.<\/p>\n<p>12:50 GMT (20\u2019)<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4842\" data-end=\"4998\">First meaningful opportunity of the match falls to Gabon, but the effort is comfortably dealt with by Siluane. Mozambique yet to settle fully in possession.<\/p>\n<p>12:40 GMT (10\u2019)<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4665\" data-end=\"4816\">A cautious opening from both sides. Gabon enjoying slightly more possession, while Mozambique sit compact and look to break quickly through the flanks.<\/p>\n<p>12:30 GMT \u2013 KICK-OFF<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4490\" data-end=\"4634\">We are underway in Agadir! Gabon, in yellow, get the match started against Mozambique in red. A crucial Group F contest is officially in motion.<\/p>\n<p>12:28 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4349\" data-end=\"4459\">Handshakes completed, captains exchange pennants. The referee completes final checks\u2014kick-off is moments away.<\/p>\n<p>12:26 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4172\" data-end=\"4329\">Teams are back out on the pitch for the national anthems. The atmosphere inside Stade d\u2019Adrar rises noticeably as both anthems are respectfully observed.<\/p>\n<p>12:10 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4041\" data-end=\"4152\">Teams retreat to the dressing rooms for final preparations. National anthems are scheduled in 20 minutes\u2019 time.<\/p>\n<p>12:00 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3868\" data-end=\"4021\">Final tactical instructions being delivered on the benches. Coaches from both sides appear animated, underlining the significance of the next 90 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>11:50 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3666\" data-end=\"3848\">The stadium continues to fill as anticipation builds. Both sets of supporters know the importance of this fixture, with defeat likely leaving qualification hopes hanging by a thread.<\/p>\n<p>11:40 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3435\" data-end=\"3646\">Reminder: Gabon have not won their second group match at AFCON since 2012. Mozambique, meanwhile, have never avoided defeat in their second group game at the finals\u2014one of those records will be tested today.<\/p>\n<p>11:30 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3229\" data-end=\"3415\">Warm-ups are now underway. Aubameyang is among the most active Gabonese players on the pitch, while Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Siluane is going through an intense shot-stopping routine. The line ups are in:<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\ud835\udddf\ud835\udddc\ud835\udde1\ud835\uddd8-\ud835\udde8\ud835\udde3\ud835\udde6 \ud83d\udccb<\/p>\n<p>This is how the Panthers and the Mambas line-up. \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddff<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TotalEnergiesAFCON2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc^tfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/0rkC15GDeU\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/0rkC15GDeU<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CAF_Online\/status\/2005239331544559618?ref_src=twsrc^tfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">December 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<p>11:20 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3027\" data-end=\"3209\">Players from both teams have arrived at the stadium, exactly 1 hour and 10 minutes before kick-off, adhering to CAF matchday protocols. Pitch conditions in Agadir look excellent. Gabon have also arrived in the stadium:<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Here and ready, the Panthers at Grand Stade d\u2019Agadir. \ud83d\udccd<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TotalEnergiesAFCON2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc^tfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/bHs57m7UXJ\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/bHs57m7UXJ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CAF_Online\/status\/2005241412913447376?ref_src=twsrc^tfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">December 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Mambas arrived in style:<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">They sing it. They live it. The Mambas show in Agadir. \ud83c\udfb6\ud83c\uddf2\ud83c\uddff <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TotalEnergiesAFCON2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc^tfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/WeCelebrateDifferent?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc^tfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">#WeCelebrateDifferent<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/a3FVCHggaS\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/a3FVCHggaS<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CAF_Online\/status\/2005239843325083962?ref_src=twsrc^tfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">December 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<p>11:10 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2815\" data-end=\"3007\">Tournament context: Group F remains wide open after the opening round. A win here would significantly boost either side\u2019s chances of reaching the knockout phase ahead of the final group match.<\/p>\n<p>11:00 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2552\" data-end=\"2795\">Mozambique\u2019s coaching staff have emphasised defensive organisation once again, but with a clearer intention to commit numbers forward. Geny Catamo remains their main attacking outlet after registering both shots on target in the opening match.<\/p>\n<p>10:50 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2329\" data-end=\"2532\">Team news filtering through suggests Gabon may stick largely with the structure used against Cameroon, with tactical adjustments expected in midfield to improve ball progression and attacking efficiency.<\/p>\n<p>10:40 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2086\" data-end=\"2309\">Early scenes from Agadir show steady fan movement toward Stade d\u2019Adrar. Gabonese colours are prominent, while Mozambique supporters are also making their presence felt, drums and chants echoing around the stadium precincts.<\/p>\n<p>10:30 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1849\" data-end=\"2066\">This will be the first-ever AFCON finals meeting between Gabon and Mozambique. Interestingly, all seven previous meetings between the sides in all competitions have produced goals\u2014an encouraging stat for neutrals.<\/p>\n<p>10:20 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1584\" data-end=\"1829\">Mozambique arrive under heavy pressure. They have now gone 16 AFCON matches without a win, a record they are desperate to end. Head coach confidence remains intact after a disciplined performance against C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire despite the 1\u20130 defeat.<\/p>\n<p>10:10 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1316\" data-end=\"1564\">Gabon\u2019s camp is calm but focused. After a 1\u20130 loss to Cameroon, the Panthers know defeat today would place their qualification hopes under serious strain. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, now at his fifth AFCON, is expected to play a key leadership role.<\/p>\n<p>10:00 GMT<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1050\" data-end=\"1296\">The first matchday build-up is underway in Agadir as Gabon and Mozambique prepare for a crucial Group F encounter. Both sides are searching for their first win of the tournament after narrow opening defeats, adding extra edge to this fixture.<\/p>\n<p>Live Updates: Gabon vs Mozambique (Group F)<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"967\" data-end=\"1025\">Venue: Stade d\u2019Adrar, Agadir<br data-start=\"999\" data-end=\"1002\"\/>Kick-off: 12:30 GMT<\/p>\n<p>Good morning and welcome to our live blog coverage of\u00a0Matchday 7 of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations here in Morocco. Today marks the third day of the second round of group-stage matches, with four games lined up across the country as qualification battles begin to take real shape.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"93\" data-end=\"907\">Yesterday delivered high drama, highlighted by Nigeria\u2019s thrilling\u00a03\u20132 win over Tunisia, which sent the Super Eagles to the top of Group C, while Senegal and DR Congo remained locked together at the summit of Group D.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"93\" data-end=\"907\">The margins are tightening, the pressure is rising, and every point now carries added significance. Throughout the day, we will bring you\u00a0live updates, key moments, atmosphere notes and competition news as events unfold. All timings in this blog are GMT. Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Matchday 2 isn\u2019t done yet. Four more games, plenty more drama ahead. \ud83d\udd25<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TotalEnergiesAFCON2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc^tfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/APSONIC_Africa?ref_src=twsrc^tfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">@APSONIC_Africa<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/rv90dCrg7P\" rel=\"nofollow\">pic.twitter.com\/rv90dCrg7P<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CAF_Online\/status\/2005187016435376154?ref_src=twsrc^tfw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">December 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"93\" data-end=\"907\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"967\" data-end=\"1025\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>        <script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"14:46 GMT There is, however, a compelling subplot. Equatorial Guinea boast an impressive record in second group matches&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":208019,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[85,46,105],"class_list":{"0":"post-208018","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"tag-il","9":"tag-israel","10":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208018","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=208018"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208018\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/208019"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=208018"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=208018"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=208018"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}