While the Premier League takes a brief Boxing Day pause from African talent, the continent's finest are centre stage in Morocco. Four matches headline the AFCON 2025 schedule on December 26, featuring several players whose absence is keenly felt by their English clubs. Here's what Premier League fans need to know.
The Premier League stars in action
The most anticipated clash sees Liverpool's Mohamed Salah lead Egypt against South Africa (4:00 PM GMT). The Egyptian captain, currently embroiled in contract uncertainty at Anfield, scored a crucial stoppage-time winner against Zimbabwe in his tournament opener. His performances in Morocco could influence Liverpool's January planning significantly.
Alongside Salah, Manchester City's Omar Marmoush has been electric for the Pharaohs. The forward, heavily linked with a Premier League move, equalised against Zimbabwe and created multiple chances. English scouts will be watching closely.
Burnley's Lyle Foster scored a spectacular winner for South Africa against Angola, while Leicester City's Patson Daka rescued Zambia with a last-gasp header against Mali. Both players demonstrate the Premier League quality scattered throughout this tournament.
Boxing Day fixtures: full breakdown
Angola vs Zimbabwe — 1:30 PM GMT (Marrakech)
A must-win encounter for both teams after opening defeats. Angola showed quality against South Africa but lacked clinical finishing. Zimbabwe's counter-attacking approach nearly shocked Egypt. The loser faces near-certain elimination.
Key data: Zimbabwe had just 22.5% possession against Egypt yet scored first. Angola managed 12 shots against South Africa but converted none from open play.
Zambia vs Comoros — 1:30 PM GMT (Casablanca)
Zambia seek their first AFCON finals victory since winning the tournament in 2012—a run of 10 winless matches over 13 years. Daka's late header against Mali kept their hopes alive. Comoros, beaten 2-0 by Morocco, offer the Chipolopolo their best chance to break this extraordinary drought.
Key data: Zambia's aerial threat produced their equaliser against Mali. Comoros conceded both goals to Morocco from situations where they were exposed aerially.
Egypt vs South Africa — 4:00 PM GMT (Agadir)
The headline fixture. Both teams won their openers 2-1 and sit level on points and goal difference in Group B. Egypt's 77.5% possession against Zimbabwe contrasts sharply with South Africa's more direct approach.
Historical context weighs heavily: South Africa are unbeaten in six matches against Egypt, including a famous 2019 AFCON round of 16 victory. Salah, Trezeguet, and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy all featured in that defeat and will seek revenge.
Key data: Salah created six chances against Zimbabwe—more than any player—but netted with his only shot on target. South Africa's Ronwen Williams made three saves in that 2019 win and will be crucial again.
Morocco vs Mali — 9:00 PM GMT (Rabat)
The hosts, unbeaten in 18 matches, face a Mali side frustrated by Zambia's late equaliser. Morocco's Ayoub El Kaabi scored a sensational overhead kick in their 2-0 win over Comoros, while Brahim Diaz orchestrated proceedings.
Mali haven't scored against Morocco in three consecutive meetings and lost their only AFCON encounter 4-0 in 2004. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium's 68,000 capacity crowd will create a formidable atmosphere.
Key data: Morocco completed 582 passes against Comoros (90% accuracy). Sofyan Amrabat and Noussair Mazraoui both recorded exceptional numbers, underlining the hosts' technical dominance.
What this means for Premier League clubs
Every additional match at AFCON extends the absence of key players. Liverpool face the prospect of Salah missing up to six league games if Egypt reach the final on January 18. The tournament's timing—coinciding with the Premier League's congested festive period—has drawn criticism from English managers.
For clubs monitoring targets, AFCON provides a high-pressure audition. Marmoush's performances have only intensified Premier League interest, while Foster and Daka are proving their worth on the continental stage.
Tactical observations from matchday one
Several tactical trends emerged from the opening fixtures that will influence today's matches:
- Egypt's possession dominance masks finishing struggles—they required 35 shots to score twice against Zimbabwe
- South Africa's counter-attacking efficiency punishes high defensive lines, particularly through Oswin Appollis
- Morocco's patience eventually overwhelms opponents, with second-half goals a consistent pattern
- Set pieces are proving decisive across multiple groups, with aerial quality separating teams
Looking ahead
By the end of Boxing Day, the picture in Groups A and B will become significantly clearer. Victory for Egypt or South Africa could effectively secure qualification, while Morocco will look to confirm their status as tournament favourites.
For Premier League fans, the performances of Salah, Marmoush, Foster, and Daka demand attention. Their form in Morocco carries implications well beyond the Africa Cup of Nations.
