Africa-Press – Mozambique. The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 roared to life in Morocco, delivering a riveting first round packed with late drama, tactical discipline, and flashes of star quality that already hint at a tournament too close to call.
Across 12 opening fixtures, 29 goals were scored — an average of 2.4 goals per game — showcasing bold attacking intent from the continent’s finest.
Yet, in equal measure, six teams kept clean sheets: Morocco, Senegal, Algeria, DR Congo, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon, signalling that defensive organisation will be just as crucial as goals in the race for glory.
Group A: Morocco Composed, Mali and Zambia Trade Blows
Hosts Morocco began their campaign with calm control, easing past a spirited Comoros side.
The Atlas Lions absorbed early resistance with patience before asserting their quality, displaying maturity befitting tournament favourites.
While Comoros departed with no points, their fearless approach and defensive structure earned widespread praise — a testament to their unshakable character.
The group’s second fixture brought the competition’s first major twist, as Zambia snatched a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to hold Mali to a 1-1 draw.
Mali dominated long spells with structure and midfield control, but the Chipolopolo’s resilience ensured a split of the spoils, leaving Group A intriguing rather than definitive.
Group B: Foster Lifts South Africa, Salah Saves Egypt
South Africa secured a precious opening win — a rarity in recent AFCON history — edging their contest courtesy of Lyle Foster’s late strike.
Captain Ronwen Williams stood tall between the sticks, offering calm leadership and ensuring Angola’s threat was kept at bay.
Despite defeat, Angola showed enough cohesion and belief to suggest they will fight to the final whistle in this group.
Meanwhile, Egypt survived an early scare after Zimbabwe led for most of their encounter.
The record seven-time champions turned to their trusted talisman Mohamed Salah, supported by the dynamism of Omar Marmoush, to seal a late comeback victory.
It was classic Egypt — pragmatic, composed under pressure, and powered by star quality when it mattered most.
Group C: Lookman, Achouri, and Momentum Builders
The Super Eagles of Nigeria opened with a hard-fought 1-0 win, leaning on tournament composure rather than spectacle.
Ademola Lookman’s decisive goal ensured Nigeria managed early pressure efficiently — a hallmark of their championship pedigree.
Tunisia were equally impressive, overwhelming Uganda 3-1 with midfield orchestration and attacking fluency.
Mohamed Elias Achouri announced himself as one of the early stars with a brace, immediately positioning the Carthage Eagles as pace-setters in the group.
Nigeria’s next challenge will be significant: a midfield battle against Tunisia’s rising confidence — while the Super Eagles will also look to unleash attacking firepower through their star striker, Victor Osimhen, who currently plies his trade at Galatasaray in Turkey, a key detail fans across Africa are keen to track.
Group D: Senegal Commanding, DR Congo Calculated
Senegal sent the loudest message of the opening week, dismantling their opponents 3-0 in a display of authority. Nicolas Jackson struck twice, while Ndiaye added the third, as the Lions of Teranga blended control, clinical execution, and defensive assurance.
DR Congo also opened with intent, grinding out a disciplined 1-0 win accompanied by a clean sheet.
It was not flamboyant, but it was mature — a performance that signals their readiness to navigate the tight margins typical of AFCON football.
Group E: Mahrez Masterclass, Burkina Faso Turn the Tide
Algeria delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the first round, defeating Sudan 3-0 with captain Riyad Mahrez scoring a brace and dictating the tempo.
The Desert Foxes played with intelligence, structure, and authority — qualities that make them early contenders.
But the group also produced high drama: Burkina Faso overturned a late deficit to secure a stunning 2-1 win, once again reminding the continent that momentum can flip instantly in Morocco.
Group F: Champions Edge, Cameroon Grind with Identity
Defending champions Ivory Coast began their title defence with a 1-0 victory, relying on Amad Diallo’s match-winning strike.
The Manchester United winger dazzled with sharp movement and poise, earning Man of the Match honours.
Cameroon matched the champions’ pragmatism, battling to a 1-0 win built on collective effort and discipline.
Bryan Mbeumo provided the decisive assist and also collected Man of the Match honours, underlining the Indomitable Lions’ blend of defensive resilience and calculated attacking purpose.
Braces, Saves, and Emerging Narratives
The first round did more than establish results — it revealed protagonists.
Mahrez, Jackson, and Achouri led the scorers with braces, while Salah and Marmoush powered Egypt’s comeback. Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko contributed a goal and tireless work, while Zambia’s Patson Daka — 2017 CAF Young Player of the Year — reminded Africa of his predatory instincts.
And in goal, Ronwen Williams reaffirmed the enduring value of elite goalkeeping at AFCON level.
A Tournament Balanced on Quality and Character
After one round, AFCON 2025 feels beautifully balanced.
Heavyweights delivered, but challengers such as Comoros, Zimbabwe, Angola, Gabon, Mozambique, and Mozambique showed enough belief to hint that shocks are inevitable.
The early verdict is clear: Quality will win matches. Character will decide champions. And Morocco 2025 will demand both.
