Comoros played out a goalless draw with Zambia in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, but the small Indian Ocean island nation came close to an upset win in their Group A clash on Friday.

Comoros had the ball in the net in the 19th minute, but Myziane Maolida’s attempt was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul in the build-up to the goal.

Maolida had tapped in the ball from close range after a mazy run down the left flank by Rafik Saifi, who played in a pinpoint cross.

But possession was won in a dangerous tackle by Yacine Bourhane on Owen Tembo, and after consulting the sideline VAR screen, the referee annulled the goal.

Comoros also had a late chance when Faiz Selemani headed over the top of the Zambia goal after being set up by captain Youssouf M’Changama’s hanging chip.

Zambia, the 2012 winners, put up a laboured showing.

The draw at Stade Mohammed V left Comoros, the smallest nation in the tournament’s 24-team field, with a single point from their opening two matches, after they were beaten by hosts Morocco in last Sunday’s opening match. Zambia have now drawn both their opening fixtures.

Both countries will have a tough last group match on Monday, which, if they lose, will almost certainly see them eliminated.

Comoros must beat Mali in Casablanca on Monday to stand any chance of progress, while Zambia are up against Morocco and in need of at least a draw.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Veteran French coach Jean Louis Gasset, who was fired at the last Africa Cup of Nations by Ivory Coast before they went on to win the trophy, has died aged 72, his former French club Montpellier announced on Friday.

Hosts Ivory Coast were sensationally beaten 4-0 by minnows Equatorial Guinea in their last group game at the 2023 edition in the biggest upset in tournament history, finishing third in their group.

Gasset was dismissed after the shock defeat but the Ivorians earned a reprieve as one of the best third placed finishers to qualify for the knockout rounds and eventually won the title under Gasset’s assistant Emerse Fae.

One month after returning to France, Gasset was appointed coach at Olympique de Marseille but stayed for only four months.

He went back to Montpellier last season but when they were headed for relegation, he was sacked in April.

Gasset spent most of his playing career at Montpellier, where his father had been one of the club founders.

The cause of death was not given.

Reuters

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

A first-half penalty from Mohamed Salah proved decisive as Egypt overcame South Africa 1–0 despite playing the entire second half with 10 men, securing early qualification for the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 on Friday.

The Group B encounter brought together the two early pace-setters, with both Egypt and South Africa having collected three points from their opening matches. The Pharaohs edged Zimbabwe 2–1 in their opener, while Bafana Bafana defeated Angola by the same margin.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan made two changes to his starting line-up, introducing Rami Rabia and Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed and switching to a 3-4-3 formation. The opening exchanges were cagey, though Egypt applied the early pressure.

The first real chance arrived in the 11th minute when Zizo threaded a precise pass behind the South African defence. Mohamed Hany surged forward and attempted to square for the unmarked Salah, but his cross carried too much weight for the Liverpool forward to connect.

Egypt continued to probe, and Omar Marmoush went close in the 22nd minute, his right-footed free-kick from just outside the area shaving the left post.

South Africa responded through Lyle Foster, whose low effort from inside the box was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy.

The breakthrough came five minutes before the interval. Following a VAR review, Burundian referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana awarded Egypt a penalty after Salah was brought down by Khuliso Mudau inside the area. Salah stepped up and converted confidently down the middle, sending Ronwen Williams the wrong way.

Moments later, the momentum shifted sharply against Egypt as Mohamed Hany received a second yellow card for a foul on Teboho Mokoena, reducing the Pharaohs to 10 men for the remainder of the contest.

Hassan reshaped his side at half-time, withdrawing Marmoush for Emam Ashour and pushing Salah into a central attacking role. South Africa began the second half aggressively, seeking to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

Wave after wave of pressure followed, but El-Shenawy delivered a goalkeeping masterclass. The Egypt captain produced outstanding saves to deny Evidence Makgopa, Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba, performances that would later earn him the Man of the Match award.

Egypt almost doubled their lead on the hour mark when substitute Ashour unleashed a powerful strike from close range, only for Williams to respond with an excellent save to keep South Africa in contention.

Despite tactical changes by South Africa coach Hugo Broos, Egypt’s defensive organisation and El-Shenawy’s heroics held firm. In the final minute of regulation time, South Africa appeals for a handball against Yasser Ibrahim — as Salah was being substituted for Osama Faisal — were dismissed after another VAR check.

Deep into stoppage time, Relebohile Mofokeng and Modiba both fired from close range, but El-Shenawy produced two more spectacular saves to preserve the clean sheet.

The victory lifts Egypt to six points at the top of Group B, making them the first team at AFCON 2025 to book a place in the knockout phase. The Pharaohs will conclude their group campaign against Angola on Monday, with qualification already assured.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H