The final round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage gets underway on matchday eight, with all teams aiming to secure progression to the knockout phase.
Four intriguing fixtures will be played across two groups, with matches in each bracket kicking off simultaneously. Group B takes centre stage first, as Zimbabwe face South Africa in a decisive battle for second place, while Angola meet already-qualified Egypt.
Attention then turns to Group A, where Zambia take on hosts Morocco for a place in the knockouts, with Mali and Comoros locking horns in the other fixture.
With that in mind, MRFixtips has identified the most reliable betting angles to consider across all four games.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Monday, December 29 – 16:00
Both sides remain in contention for the final automatic qualification spot in Group B, with Zimbabwe requiring victory to boost their chances of finishing second, while avoiding defeat will be enough for South Africa to secure the runners-up position.
The Warriors began their campaign with a heartbreaking late defeat to Egypt before drawing with Angola on matchday two. The Bafana Bafana, meanwhile, opened with a victory over Angola but slipped up with a defeat in their second outing.
Zimbabwe have now lost five of their last eight matches, while South Africa boast an excellent recent record in this fixture, having won each of the last four meetings, which gives them the edge heading into this encounter.
Recommended bet:
- South Africa to win – 13/20 (Ladbrokes)
Angola vs Egypt: Monday, December 29 – 16:00
Angola take on already-qualified Egypt knowing only a win will keep their hopes of reaching the knockout phase alive.
The Palancas Negras lost their opener against South Africa before settling for a draw with Zimbabwe on matchday two, while victories in Egypt’s opening two games against Zimbabwe and South Africa mean the Pharaohs are already assured of finishing top of the group.
With little at stake for Egypt, a rotated side is expected, which could open the door for goals. Six of Angola’s last eight matches have seen both teams find the net, and that trend could continue here given the stakes for the underdogs and Egypt’s attacking quality.
Recommended bet:
- Both teams to score or over 2.5 goals – 4/5 (Betano)
Zambia vs Morocco: Monday, December 29 – 19:00
Zambia and hosts Morocco go head-to-head in one of Group A’s decisive final-round fixtures, with qualification still up for grabs for all sides in the group.
Zambia have drawn both of their opening matches, against Mali and Comoros, while Morocco began with a win over Comoros before being held to a draw by Mali.
The Atlas Lions have dominated this fixture historically, winning 14 of their previous meetings with Zambia (D4, L4), including each of the last five.
Brahim Diaz offers value in the player markets, having averaged 2.4 shots on target per 90 minutes, making this a worthwhile angle to explore.
Recommended bet:
- Brahim Diaz to record two or more shots on target – 21/10 (Ladbrokes)
Comoros vs Mali: Monday, December 29 – 19:00
The other Group A fixture sees Comoros and Mali battle for automatic qualification. Les Cœlacanthes have picked up just one point from their opening two matches, losing to hosts Morocco before playing out a goalless draw with Zambia.
Mali, meanwhile, have drawn both of their group games and know that victory here would guarantee progression to the knockout phase.
History favours the Eagles, who have won both previous meetings with Comoros comfortably, and that record should give them confidence of securing their first win of the tournament.
Recommended bet:
- Mali to win – 10/21 (Ladbrokes)
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi is a sports writer with more than four years’ experience covering football and other global sports. A lifelong Arsenal supporter since 2004, he writes with genuine passion and a sharp eye for the stories that shape the game.
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