Krasso the hero as AFCON champions Ivory Coast beat Zambia, South Africa salvage draw

Jean-Philippe Krasso, at the age of 27, emerged as an unexpected hero as the Ivory Coast commenced their title defense in the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 victory over Zambia in Bouake on Friday.

Initially excluded from the squad for the Group G encounter, Krasso was summoned to replace the prominent Sebastien Haller and made a significant impact by scoring twice in the second half after coming off the bench.

Haller was unable to join the team in West Africa due to his transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Leganes, despite having scored the decisive goal in Ivory Coast's 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final of the 2024 tournament last February.

In another match, Morocco, who automatically qualified as hosts for the 2025 tournament but are participating in qualifiers for competitive experience, convincingly defeated Gabon 4-1 in Group B, with Hakim Ziyech successfully converting two penalties.

The record seven-time AFCON champions, Egypt, also showcased their prowess by defeating Cape Verde 3-0 in Cairo in Group C, with Eintracht Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush contributing to the scoreline.

In a surprising turn of events, Burkina Faso equalized in the 95th minute through Ousseni Bouda, securing a 1-1 away draw against the 2022 champions, Senegal, who had initially taken the lead with a goal from Sadio Mane.

South Africa, who finished third in the 2024 AFCON, managed to secure a 2-2 draw at home against Uganda in Group K, thanks to a last-minute goal from debutant Thalente Mbatha. The substitute capitalized on a loose ball just inside the penalty area, delivering a low shot that found the net off the post in the 95th minute in Soweto.

Lyle Foster had given South Africa an early advantage, but they squandered several opportunities to extend their lead before halftime. Uganda stunned the home side by scoring twice within two minutes early in the second half, with goals from Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato. South Africa's goalkeeper, Veli Mothwa, who was filling in for the injured captain Ronwen Williams, was criticized for allowing a long-range shot to slip through his grasp for the second goal.

"Uganda displayed greater aggression in regaining possession and covered significantly more ground than we did," acknowledged South Africa's coach, Hugo Broos.

The Democratic Republic of Congo achieved a double victory over Guinea this year, highlighted by a remarkable goal from Edo Kayembe in the 27th minute, securing a 1-0 win in Group H in Kinshasa.

The Watford midfielder, playing in the English second tier, intercepted a pass, surged forward, and executed a shot from outside the penalty area that sailed over goalkeeper Ibrahima Kone.

In Group J, Kenya and Zimbabwe, both returning to competition after being suspended from the previous AFCON due to governmental interference, played to a 0-0 draw in Kampala.

This match took place in Uganda as Kenya is currently renovating several stadiums in Nairobi in preparation for co-hosting the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) for home-based players.

Former champions Cameroon and Nigeria are among six teams set to compete in the final matchday one fixtures on Saturday, with a full schedule of 24 matches for matchday two commencing on Sunday.