AFCON 2025: How big teams, new stars, 87 goals shaped group phase

The group stage of the 2025 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco once again showed why the tournament is one of the most exciting in world football.

A total of 87 goals were scored in 24 matches across six groups, highlighting the attacking quality and strong competition among African teams as they fought for places in the knockout round.

Top stars played key roles for their countries, while young players also made names for themselves. Goals from players like Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez, as well as strong performances from teenagers and creative midfielders, gave fans a glimpse of both the present and future of African football.

Group A: Morocco leads as Mali qualifies

Host nation Morocco finished top of Group A with seven points. Ayoub El Kaabi and Brahim Díaz scored three goals each as Morocco dominated their opponents.

Mali finished second, qualifying mainly through strong defending, including a crucial draw in their final match. Zambia showed attacking promise but suffered from poor defending, while Comoros exited the group with just one point.

Group B: Salah helps Egypt finish first

Egypt topped Group B, with Mohamed Salah scoring two important goals. A disciplined goalless draw against Angola helped the Pharaohs secure first place.

South Africa also qualified for the Round of 16, thanks to goals from Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis, who both scored twice. Angola and Zimbabwe failed to maintain consistency and were eliminated.

Group C: Nigeria perfect, Tunisia solid

Nigeria delivered the best group-stage performance, winning all three matches. Ademola Lookman was outstanding, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

Tunisia finished second, led by Elias Achouri, who scored twice. Tanzania progressed as one of the best third-placed teams, helped by the creativity of Novatus Dismas, while Uganda exited after missing several chances.

Group D: Senegal’s experience shows

Senegal topped Group D with seven points. Nicolas Jackson scored twice, while Sadio Mané played a key leadership role.

DR Congo finished second, with Gaël Kakuta scoring two goals. Benin qualified as one of the best third-placed teams, while Botswana lost all their matches.

Group E: Algeria flawless

Algeria were the only team to win all three group matches. Riyad Mahrez scored three goals to lead a strong and balanced side.

Burkina Faso finished second, while Sudan advanced as a best third-placed team after solid performances. Equatorial Guinea ended bottom of the group with three defeats.

Group F: Côte d’Ivoire on top, young players impress

Côte d’Ivoire finished first in Group F, with Amad Diallo scoring two important goals.

Cameroon qualified with help from young players Karl Etta and Christian Kofane. Mozambique progressed as a best third-placed team, while Gabon exited without a win.

What comes next

Traditional powerhouses such as Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire are joined in the Round of 16 by strong performers including Mali, South Africa, Tunisia, DR Congo, Sudan, Benin and Mozambique.

The high number of goals shows not just attacking play, but also the variety of tactics and strong competition that define AFCON.

As the knockout stage begins, matches are expected to be tighter, but the surprises seen in the group stage suggest that the most exciting moments of the tournament may still be ahead.