Overview
- Morocco beat Comoros 2-0 in Rabat, but Romain Saiss left early injured and remains under evaluation, with Nayef Aguerd a doubt and Adam Masina also set for checks, as no official medical update had been issued by Wednesday morning.
- Egypt opened with a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe, ending a six-match AFCON finals winless run as Mohamed Salah scored, and coach Hossam Hassan said Imam Ashour’s first‑half substitution was a tactical call tied to his recent post‑illness fitness.
- Zambia secured a late 1-1 draw against Mali through Patson Daka, whose attempted flip during the celebration led to a fall that alarmed onlookers before he got up and completed the match.
- Algeria face Sudan in their Group E opener in Rabat, with captain Riyad Mahrez stressing focus on the match and noting a warm reception in Morocco in a fixture that will be the teams’ first meeting at an AFCON finals.
- Morocco next play Mali on Friday before meeting Zambia on Monday, putting added focus on defensive availability and potential back‑line adjustments.