Overview
- Egypt edged Zimbabwe 2-1 in their AFCON opener, with coach Hossam Hassan saying Imam Ashour’s first‑half substitution was a purely tactical call linked to his post‑illness fitness while Mohamed Salah returned to the scoresheet.
- Morocco beat Comoros 2-0 but saw captain Romain Saiss depart injured and await clarity on the status of Nayef Aguerd and Adam Masina, with no official medical updates issued ahead of facing Mali on Friday.
- Riyad Mahrez stressed Algeria’s focus and squad cohesion in Morocco, praising the hosts’ reception and framing a strong start as the priority before their Group E opener.
- UAE clubs endured a bruising Round 6 in the AFC elite competition as Al-Wahda, Shabab Al-Ahli and Sharjah all lost, leaving Sharjah’s path tighter and dropping Al-Wahda in the standings despite earlier qualification.
- Al-Wasl finished top of its AFC Champions 2 group on 14 points without a loss, with coach Masoud Miral expressing confidence before a Dec. 30 last‑16 draw and February knockout fixtures.