The presents have been unwrapped, the turkey has been eaten, and the Christmas festivities are winding down. But for football fans across Africa and the world, the real gift arrives tomorrow.
In football culture, Boxing Day (December 26) is sacred. It’s a day synonymous with packed stadiums and high drama. This year, the tradition trades the cold rain of the English Premier League for the winter sun of Morocco.
Tomorrow marks Day 6 of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025. We are officially moving out of the "opening jitters" phase and into the ruthless "survival" phase. For the teams in Group A and B, tomorrow is judgment day. By the time the final whistle blows in Marrakech tomorrow night, we could have our first confirmed team in the Round of 16—and our first casualty packing their bags.
Here is your definitive guide to the Boxing Day fixtures.
14:00 GMT+1 | The Battle for Survival
Group A: Equatorial Guinea vs. Guinea-Bissau
Venue: Stade de Tanger, Tangier
The Stakes: Loser likely goes home.
The action begins in the breezy north. After the results of Matchday 1, both these sides are desperate for points. This is what we call the "6-pointer" of the group stage.
The Narrative: Equatorial Guinea (The Nzalang Nacional) has a history of punching above their weight, but they need a result here to keep their knockout hopes alive. Guinea-Bissau, known for their athleticism, will be looking to exploit the spaces left behind as their opponents push for a winner.
Tactical Note: Don't expect a cagey affair. A draw serves neither team well, especially with the host nation waiting in the wings. Expect a high-octane, end-to-end game from minute one. This is the perfect appetizer for the day.
17:00 GMT+1 | The Hosts Look to Qualify
Group A: Morocco vs. Sierra Leone
Venue: Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
The Stakes: A win secures Morocco a spot in the Round of 16.
At 5:00 PM, the eyes of the continent will turn to the legendary "Donor" stadium in Casablanca. The Atlas Lions, riding the wave of home support, have the chance to give their nation a belated Christmas present: early qualification.
The Narrative: Morocco looked sharp in their opener, but Sierra Leone (The Leone Stars) are famous for being stubborn, defensive giants—remember their heroics against Algeria in 2022? The Sierra Leonean low-block will be the ultimate test for Morocco’s creative midfield.
The Atmosphere: Casablanca will be deafening. The "Red Wall" of fans will demand not just a win, but a performance. If Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz are in the mood, this could be a carnival. However, if Sierra Leone holds out for the first 30 minutes, the pressure in the stands will turn into anxiety.
20:00 GMT+1 | The Pharaohs Under the Lights
Group B: Egypt vs. Cape Verde
Venue: Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
The Stakes: Control of Group B.
We wrap up Boxing Day in the south. The Pharaohs of Egypt, the most decorated team in AFCON history, face the tricky Blue Sharks of Cape Verde.
The Narrative: Cape Verde has earned a reputation as a "Giant Killer." They play fearless, technical football that can unsettle rigid structures. Egypt, led by their talisman Mohamed Salah, will look to control the tempo and avoid the chaos Cape Verde thrives on.
Star Power: This match features some of the best attackers on the continent. The cool evening air in Marrakech usually leads to faster ball movement, which favors the swift Egyptian counter-attack. A win for Egypt here likely avoids a clash with a heavy hitter in the next round.
Fan Logistics: Navigating Boxing Day
For the thousands of fans on the ground, tomorrow is a logistical challenge but a rewarding one.
The "Al Boraq" Shuffle: Fans attending the 14:00 game in Tangier have a tight window to catch the high-speed train down to Casablanca for the 20:00 festivities (or to catch the second half of the Morocco game). The ONCF has added extra services for Matchday 6.
Weather Watch: Tangier will be windy (bring a windbreaker), while Marrakech will drop to around 12°C (54°F) by kickoff. Dress warmly for the late game!
Conclusion: Who Books the First Ticket?
Tomorrow is pivotal. In tournament football, the second group game is where the pretenders are separated from the contenders.
Prediction: Morocco will likely become the first team to mathematically secure their place in the Round of 16.
Upset Alert: Keep an eye on the 14:00 game; desperation often leads to surprise results.