AFCON 2025 Group Stage Review: Stars Shine, New Names Emerge as Knockouts Loom

Posted : 02 January 2026

The group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 highlighted why the tournament remains one of world football’s most thrilling and unpredictable spectacles. Across 24 matches in six groups, 87 goals were scored, reflecting both attacking ambition and the depth of talent on display as Africa’s leading nations and rising contenders battled for knockout-stage qualification.

Established stars carried their teams, while emerging talents seized the spotlight. From decisive strikes by Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez to breakout performances from teenagers and creative midfielders, the group phase provided a clear glimpse into African football’s present and future.

Group A: Hosts Morocco topped the group with seven points, combining control and attacking efficiency. Ayoub El Kaabi and Brahim Díaz each scored three goals, driving a dominant campaign, while Mali secured second place through resilience. Zambia showed flashes of promise, and Comoros exited with two points.

Group B: Egypt advanced as group leaders, with Salah’s two decisive goals proving crucial in tight matches. South Africa followed, powered by Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis, while Angola and Zimbabwe failed to maintain consistency across three fixtures.

Group C: Nigeria achieved a perfect record, winning all three matches. Ademola Lookman contributed two goals and two assists while controlling play from advanced midfield positions. Tunisia finished second, with Elias Achouri scoring twice, and Tanzania progressed as one of the best third-placed teams. Uganda exited after struggling to convert chances.

Group D: Senegal led the group, blending experience and physicality. Nicolas Jackson scored twice, and Sadio Mané influenced matches with his intelligence. DR Congo secured second place through Gaël Kakuta’s enduring class, and Benin advanced as a best third-placed team. Botswana finished bottom.

Group E: Algeria dominated with a perfect record, led by Mahrez’s three goals. Burkina Faso claimed second, Sudan advanced as a best third-placed team, and Equatorial Guinea exited after three defeats.

Group F: Côte d’Ivoire topped the group, inspired by Amad Diallo’s two decisive goals. Cameroon advanced with the contributions of teenagers Karl Etta and Christian Kofane, while Mozambique progressed as a best third-placed side. Gabon finished bottom without a win.

With heavyweights such as Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire advancing alongside resilient qualifiers, the Round of 16 promises high-stakes encounters and contrasting styles. The 87 goals scored in the group stage underline the technical quality, tactical diversity, and competitive edge that define AFCON, leaving fans anticipating even more drama in the knockout rounds.

AFCON 2025 Group Stage Review: Stars Shine, New Names Emerge as Knockouts Loom

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics