Overview
- Morocco’s camp is monitoring defensive injuries after Romain Saiss left the opener hurt, with Naif Aguerd and Adam Masina also undergoing tests and no official update yet ahead of Friday’s match against Mali.
- Egypt beat Zimbabwe 2-1, and coach Hossam Hassan said substituting Imam Ashour was a technical decision influenced by the player’s recent illness and physical readiness.
- Algeria opens Group E against Sudan in Rabat on Wednesday, with Riyad Mahrez noting a warm reception in Morocco and stressing a fresh start and focus for the squad.
- Zambia drew Mali after Patson Daka equalized late and briefly scared onlookers with a failed backflip celebration before resuming play without apparent issues.
- In the UAE, a three-day workshop to craft a ‘security and safety’ curriculum opened in Abu Dhabi and a Ras Al Khaimah drive planted 3,791 native saplings, while Dubai added high-profile names to a 70-speaker roster and confirmed readiness for the Dec. 29–30 Global Sports Summit.