AFCON 2025
Benfica edged past Bayern Munich 1‑0 in sweltering Charlotte to finish top of Group C. The match’s only goal came in the 13th minute when Fredrik Aursnes delivered a low cross that Andreas Schjelderup clinically converted.
Bayern struggled in the intense midday heat (peaking at 35–36 °C), creating no shots on target in the first half, and their improved second‑half performance couldn’t overcome the deficit .
Bayern brought on Joshua Kimmich, Harry Kane and Michael Olise at half-time, and although Kimmich thought he had equalized, his goal was ruled out for Kane being offside.
They hit the post through Konrad Laimer and saw Trubin make several key saves. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was named man of the match.
Benfica take on either Chelsea or Espérance in the last 16, while Bayern will meet Flamengo.
Meanwhile, in Nashville, Boca Juniors and Auckland City played out a dramatic 1‑1 draw. Boca took an early lead when a Lautaro Di Lollo header deflected off Auckland GK Nathan Garrow into the net in the 26th minute.
Auckland responded just after half-time as defender Christian Gray rose to head in from a corner in the 52nd minute. Play was suspended for nearly 50 minutes due to a thunderstorm and lightning.
Boca thought they’d regained the lead after the delay, but a VAR-reviewed Miguel Merentiel goal was disallowed for handball.
With Benfica’s win confirmed, Boca finished third in the group with 2 points—Bayern and Benfica progressed, while Auckland secured a prestigious draw and ended with 1 point.
