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Hello to the packed night of EFL and international soccer action. The spotlight falls on major second-tier clashes plus the pivotal final group matches in this Africa Cup of Nations competition.

Introduction

Oh, hi folks. You are welcome to the arguably the penultimate soccer live blog of the year. We have an extensive Football League slate, kicking off with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 6pm, while we’ll also be keeping a close watch on both evening games from Group A at this Afcon: Zambia against the hosts Morocco as well as Comoros v Mali.

Our primary attention will be on these matches, all 7.45pm kick-offs except where noted.

Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures

• The Coelacanths v Mali (7pm)
• Zambia v Morocco (7pm)

Second Division Matches

• Coventry v Ipswich (18:00)
• Leicester v The Rams
• Middlesbrough v Hull
• Millwall v Bristol City
• The Red Dragons v Preston

Third Tier Fixture

• Cardiff v Stevenage

Recent Lineup Updates

Ipswich at Coventry Confirmed Lineups

The early game, featuring the sides sitting top and third in the second tier, looks like a thriller. These are the starting elevens.

Coventry City (4-2-3-1) The goalkeeper; the right-back, Woolfenden, Kitching, the left-back; Torp, the captain; Sakamoto, the attacking midfielder, Mason-Clark; the striker.

Subs: The backup keeper, Allen, the forward, Kesler-Hayden, Bidwell, Latibeaudiere, the midfielder, the youngster, Andrews.

Ipswich (a 4-2-3-1 setup) The shot-stopper; the defender, the centre-half, the defender, Greaves; Matusiwa, Taylor; Walle, Nunez, Jack Clarke; Azon.

Subs: The goalkeeper, Young, the midfielder, Humphreys, the midfielder, the winger, the forward, the attacker, Akpom.

Referee Backhouse (from Cumbria).

Afcon 2025: First Group Scenarios

The situation is complex. It always is where only some third-place teams progress. Here’s how things look before tonight’s last round of matches.

• The Atlas Lions 4pts, +2 goal difference
• The Eagles 2pts, 0 goal difference (goals scored 2)
• Zambia 2 points, GD0 (with 1 goal for)
• Comoros 1pt, -2 goal difference

Briefly, Morocco are probably fine though they will aim to defeat their opponents and win their pool. Zambia likely requires a draw or better against the hosts. Comoros probably must to beat Mali, who should advance with a point.

Many possibilities, various outcomes, plenty of scenarios.

Egypt's Match with Angola Latest

The conclusion of Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations is being covered. For those wishing to remain unaware, it's best not to seek out that information.

Championship Table Overview

Pos	Team	P	GD	Pts
1	Coventry	23	31	51
2	Middlesbrough	23	9	43
3	Ipswich	23	15	38
4	Hull	23	2	38
5	Preston North End	23	7	37
6	Bristol City	23	7	36
7	Millwall	23	-6	36
8	Watford	23	4	35
9	QPR	23	-2	35
10	Stoke	23	7	34
11	Derby	23	1	32
12	Southampton	23	4	31
13	Wrexham	23	2	31
14	Leicester	23	-1	31
15	Birmingham	23	1	30
16	West Brom	23	-5	28
17	Charlton	22	-6	27
18	Blackburn	22	-4	26
19	Sheff Utd	23	-5	26
20	Swansea	23	-7	26
21	Oxford Utd	23	-8	22
22	Portsmouth	22	-10	22
23	Norwich	23	-9	21
24	Sheff Wed	22	-27	-8