Overview
- Algeria beat Sudan 3-0 in Rabat, with Riyad Mahrez scoring in the 2nd minute and again after the break as Luca Zidane made key saves in his first AFCON start; Ibrahim Maza added a late third following a Sudan red card.
- Senegal began Group D with a 3-0 win over Botswana in Tangier, reinforcing their status as co-favorites with host Morocco.
- Tunisia defeated Uganda 3-1 in Rabat, paced by an Elias Achouri brace after an early header from Ellyes Skhiri.
- DR Congo edged Benin 1-0 to open Group D, with Foot Mercato reporting a VAR outage that prevented a potential handball review against Chancel Mbemba.
- Heavy rain has tested venues but SubAir drainage kept pitches playable in Rabat, while beIN Sports rolled out a high-profile consultant team for its tournament coverage.