DAY Four of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 burst into life on Wednesday with a thrilling quartet of matches that served up everything from last-gasp heroics to clinical efficiency, as defending champions Côte d’Ivoire joined Cameroon atop their group with hard-fought victories.
CAMEROON SILENCE CRITICS WITH VITAL WIN
Cameroon put aside weeks of turmoil to open their campaign with a 1-0 victory over neighbours Gabon in Agadir, offering a welcome respite for the five-time champions who have endured a torrid period leading into the tournament.
Karl Etta Eyong’s early strike — squeezed under goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba in the sixth minute after Bryan Mbeumo’s incisive pass — proved the difference in a fast-paced encounter that showcased the Indomitable Lions’ renewed determination.
The Spanish-based striker’s goal, confirmed after a VAR check, lifted a cloud that has hung over Cameroon in recent months. Having fired coach Marc Brys just three weeks ago and controversially omitted veteran goalkeeper Andre Onana from the squad following their World Cup qualification failure, Cameroon arrived in Morocco desperate to reclaim their standing in African football.
Mbeumo was the creative heartbeat throughout, orchestrating numerous opportunities that could have put the result beyond doubt. Junior Tchamadeu blasted wide early in the second half, while substitute Frank Magri rattled the crossbar 11 minutes from time as Cameroon pressed for insurance.
Gabon, starting without talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang due to a thigh injury sustained before the tournament, threw on both the former Arsenal striker and Mario Lemina in a desperate 32nd-minute double substitution. Denis Bouanga threatened sporadically, but Aubameyang struggled to impose himself as Cameroon’s defensive discipline held firm.
The victory sees Cameroon join Côte d’Ivoire at the summit of Group F, both nations now eyeing progression from a section that has already demonstrated its competitive edge.
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS GRIND OUT OPENER
At the Marrakech Stadium, defending champions Côte d’Ivoire began their title defence with a professional if unspectacular 1-0 victory over Mozambique, relying on Manchester United winger Amad Diallo to break the resistance shortly after halftime.
The Elephants dominated possession from the opening whistle, with Franck Kessié and Wilfried Zaha probing down the flanks in search of an opening. But Mozambique, compact and organized under Chiquinho Conde, absorbed wave after wave of pressure, threatening occasionally on the counter through the electric Geny Catamo.
Patience proved the virtue as Côte d’Ivoire finally unlocked the stubborn defence four minutes into the second half. Kessié rose majestically to meet a delivery, nodding the ball into Diallo’s path, and the 22-year-old showed composure beyond his years to guide a low finish past the goalkeeper.
“I am very proud of myself. I have been waiting for this moment for a long time,” beamed Diallo afterwards. “Wearing my country’s jersey is an immense pride; it’s a dream come true.”
The goal settled the Elephants, who controlled proceedings without extending their advantage. Vakoun Bayo went close, but Mozambique rarely threatened Yahia Fofana’s goal in reply, their first-ever finals victory remaining elusive despite an encouraging defensive display.
Coach Émerse Faé praised his side’s solidarity but identified areas for improvement: “If there is one area we still need to improve, it is decision-making and finishing. Sometimes the cross should be played along the ground but is delivered in the air. These are the details that make the difference at this level.”
ALGERIA ANNOUNCE THEIR RETURN
Algeria emphatically declared their intent with a commanding 3-0 demolition of Sudan in Rabat, securing their first Africa Cup of Nations finals victory since lifting the trophy in Cairo six years ago.
Captain Riyad Mahrez was the architect of Sudan’s misery, striking twice as the Desert Foxes made a blistering start under Vladimir Petković. The former Manchester City star needed just two minutes to open his account, finishing calmly from Hicham Boudaoui’s weighted pass to catch Sudan cold.
Sudan’s challenge effectively ended before halftime when Salah El-Din Adel collected a second yellow card in the 39th minute, leaving his teammates to battle against both Algeria’s quality and their numerical disadvantage.
Mahrez doubled the advantage on 61 minutes, converting Mohamed Amine Amoura’s brilliant assist, before substitute Ibrahim Maza added gloss in the 85th minute following Baghdad Bounedjah’s clever pass.
“Being named Man of the Match is a bonus,” said Mahrez modestly. “The most important thing was the victory — we showed that we have real collective strength.”
Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah was philosophical in defeat: “We were up against a stronger side. This Algerian team has serious quality in every aspect. We will do everything to bounce back in the next game.”
BURKINA FASO STAGE STOPPAGE-TIME SENSATION
In Casablanca, Burkina Faso produced the day’s most dramatic finale, scoring twice deep into stoppage time to stun ten-man Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in a Group E thriller that will live long in tournament folklore.
The Stallions appeared destined for heartbreak after substitute Marvin Aniebo headed Equatorial Guinea into an 85th-minute lead, just three minutes after entering the fray. Playing with ten men since Basilo Ndung’s 50th-minute red card for a dangerous challenge, Equatorial Guinea looked set to pull off a remarkable smash-and-grab.
Burkina Faso’s frustration had mounted after Lassina Traoré’s 71st-minute effort was ruled out following a VAR review, but coach Brama Traoré’s men refused to surrender. In the fifth minute of added time, substitute György Menongo pounced to level the score, igniting belief among the West Africans.
Three minutes later, pandemonium. Defender Edmond Tapsoba powered home the winner in the eighth minute of stoppage time, completing an extraordinary turnaround that left Equatorial Guinea shellshocked and Burkina Faso delirious.
“I feel great joy after this victory,” said Man of the Match Tapsoba. “We did not give up after going behind. It is in our nature not to stop or lose belief when we are trailing or facing defeat.”
Equatorial Guinea coach Juan Micha could only reflect on what might have been: “There was a lack of concentration on our part, and in less than five minutes we lost the match. Our morale dropped in just a few minutes, and I hope we can correct things next time.”
The result leaves Burkina Faso and Algeria joint-top of Group E with three points apiece, while all 24 teams at the Morocco tournament have now completed their opening fixtures.
As the sun set over Morocco’s gleaming stadiums on Day Four, one truth became abundantly clear: this Africa Cup of Nations has already delivered on its promise of unpredictability, passion, and unforgettable drama.
