Ivory Coast commenced the defense of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title with a 2-0 victory over Zambia in Bouake on Friday, thanks to the remarkable performance of Jean-Philippe Krasso.
The 27-year-old forward, who was initially omitted from the squad, was called up late to replace Sebastien Haller and delivered a crucial brace in the second half, securing all three points for the defending champions.
Haller, a key figure in Ivory Coast’s AFCON triumph earlier this year, could not join the squad as he was in the final stages of completing a transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Leganes. Haller had scored the decisive goal in the 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the 2024 AFCON final, making his absence a significant blow for the team. Despite this, Krasso’s unexpected contribution off the bench allowed Ivory Coast to kickstart their Group G campaign with a win.
Krasso’s goals came at crucial moments in the second half. His first strike followed a well-placed cross from Serge Aurier, which Krasso converted with a clinical finish past Zambia’s goalkeeper. Minutes later, he doubled the lead with a composed effort from close range, putting the game beyond Zambia’s reach.
“We always knew Jean-Philippe had the talent, but his impact today exceeded all expectations,” Ivory Coast coach Jean-Louis Gasset said post-match. “He stepped up when we needed him most, and that’s the hallmark of a great player.”
Other Key AFCON 2025 Qualifiers Across the Continent
Meanwhile, in other Group B action, Morocco demonstrated their strength with a commanding 4-1 victory over Gabon. Despite already securing automatic qualification as the 2025 AFCON hosts, Morocco participated in the qualifiers to maintain competitive sharpness. Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech starred for the Atlas Lions, converting two penalties in an impressive performance.
In Group C, Egypt also made a strong statement with a 3-0 victory over Cape Verde in Cairo. Omar Marmoush, the Eintracht Frankfurt forward, was among the scorers as Egypt outplayed their opponents in front of a passionate home crowd. The Pharaohs, who are record seven-time AFCON champions, looked in commanding form as they aim to reclaim their place at the top of African football.
The curtains close on a thrilling day of #AFCONQ2025 action. ⚽🔚 pic.twitter.com/FjrfqCblXw
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) September 6, 2024
Burkina Faso secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against 2022 AFCON champions Senegal in Group L. Ousseni Bouda’s 95th-minute equalizer stunned Senegal, who had taken an early lead through Sadio Mane. Despite dominating much of the match, Senegal’s failure to convert several chances left them vulnerable to Burkina Faso’s late rally.
In Group K, South Africa salvaged a 2-2 draw at home against Uganda, thanks to an added-time goal from debutant Thalente Mbatha. Lyle Foster had given South Africa an early lead, but Uganda responded with two quick goals in the second half, courtesy of Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato. South African goalkeeper Veli Mothwa, standing in for the injured Ronwen Williams, was at fault for the second goal after misjudging a long-range shot.
Mbatha’s equalizer came in the 95th minute, as the substitute fired a low shot past Uganda’s goalkeeper, Ismail Watenga, securing a point for South Africa. However, South Africa coach Hugo Broos admitted that his side needed to improve in their upcoming fixture against South Sudan.
“Uganda were more aggressive than us when they lost possession and covered much more ground,” said Broos. “We need to be far sharper when we face South Sudan on Tuesday. That will not be an easy match.”
DR Congo and Kenya Also in Action
In Group H, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) secured a 1-0 victory over Guinea in Kinshasa, completing a double over their opponents this year. The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Edo Kayembe intercepted a pass and unleashed a stunning long-range effort over Guinea’s goalkeeper Ibrahima Kone. The Watford midfielder’s goal proved to be the difference in a tightly contested match.
Elsewhere, Kenya and Zimbabwe played to a 0-0 draw in Group J. Both nations were making their return to AFCON qualifiers after being banned from the previous tournament due to government interference in football matters. The match took place in Kampala, Uganda, as Kenya is currently renovating its main stadiums in preparation to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN), a competition for domestic-based players.
Upcoming Fixtures
AFCON qualification continues over the weekend, with several high-profile fixtures set to take place on Saturday, including matches involving Cameroon and Nigeria. Both teams are considered strong contenders for the 2025 tournament, and their performances in these early qualifiers will set the tone for their respective campaigns.
The conclusion of matchday one will lead into a 24-fixture matchday two schedule, beginning on Sunday. As teams across the continent fight for a place in the 2025 AFCON, the stakes remain high, with many nations looking to secure early points in their qualification groups.
For Ivory Coast, their next challenge will be to build on their strong start and continue their push towards defending the title they won earlier this year. With key players like Sebastien Haller expected to return in future matches, and the emergence of unexpected heroes like Jean-Philippe Krasso, the defending champions are poised to make a deep run in the 2025 edition of the tournament.
