AFCON 2025: Dominant and impressive sides
The AFCON 2025 begins its round of 16 this Saturday, January 3, 2025. But before entering the knockout phase, we look back at a first round rich in lessons, marked by teams that have clearly displayed their ambitions.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Nigeria, Algeria: 9 out of 9
In this first round of the AFCON 2025, only two selections achieved a flawless run. At the top of the list, Nigeria. The Super Eagles flew over group C, dominating their opponents by head and shoulders. They first defeated Tanzania (2-1), before winning the group clash against Tunisia (3-2), then quietly concluding against Uganda (3-1).
With 8 goals scored, Nigeria has the best attack of the competition. Ademola Lookman scored two goals, while Samuel Chukwueze delivered two assists. Promising statistics for the Nigerian armada, which will face Mozambique on Monday in the round of 16.
As a reminder, Nigeria had reached the final in the last edition in Ivory Coast.
Algeria also made an impression. The Fennecs also have three successive victories, finishing at the top of group E. Vladimir Petkovic’s men successively beat Sudan (3-0), Burkina Faso (1-0) and then Equatorial Guinea (3-1).
Led by a burning Riyad Mahrez (3 goals) and a very inspired young generation - Ibrahim Maza, Hadj Moussa, Amoura - Algeria is already doing better than during its last two AFCONs, where they crashed out in the first round. The real test will come in the eighth finals with a clash against DR Congo, one of the outsiders of the tournament.
The big boys responded present
Host country and favorite, Morocco finished first in Group A with two wins and one draw. Brahim Díaz (co-top scorer with three goals) and Ayoub El Kaabi, author of two superb bicycles, carry Lions of the Atlas in constant progression. The return of Achraf Hakimi, after more than two months of absence, also strengthened the team of Walid Regragui, who concluded the group stage with a 3-0 victory against Zambia.
Reigning champion, Côte d'Ivoire held their ground by finishing first in group F with 7 points. The Elephants, however, narrowly missed the disaster during the last day against Gabon, where they were down 0-2 and temporarily eliminated, before reversing the situation to win 3-2. Cameroon finishes second in the group, tied on points, but with a smaller goal difference.
In group D, Senegal and DR Congo both had 7 points in three games. Thanks to a better goal difference (+6 vs +4), the Lions take first place. A significant advantage for Pape Thiaw’s men who remain in Tangier, their base camp since the beginning of the tournament.
In group B, Egypt also finished first with 7 points. Tunisia (2nd in group C), South Africa (2nd in group B) and Burkina Faso (2nd in group E) also ensured the essential, losing only to their respective group favourites.
Finally, Mali is the only big team qualified for the last 16 without having won any match. The Eagles conceded three draws in group A against Zambia, Morocco and Comoros. But the essential thing is there for Yves Bissouma’s teammates: qualification for the knockout phase.