AFCON 2025: Ademola Lookman, Salah, Mané, Diallo and others shine for their nations in group stage

The group phase of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 once again highlighted the fine balance in African football between established stars and rising talents.

Across six groups and 24 matches, former African Footballers of the Year and emerging players played decisive roles, shaping results and sparking debate about the continent’s next individual standout.

A total of 87 goals were recorded before the knockout rounds, with experienced winners delivering key moments while younger players announced their arrival with confidence and maturity.

For Senegal, Sadio Mané — African Footballer of the Year in 2019 and 2022 — combined leadership with clinical output throughout the group stage. His goal, alongside a brace from Nicolas Jackson, helped the Teranga Lions finish top of Group D and reinforced his enduring impact at the highest level.

Algeria’s dominant run was powered by Riyad Mahrez, the 2016 African Footballer of the Year. Mahrez netted three goals, including a brace against Sudan and a crucial strike versus Burkina Faso, as the Desert Foxes comfortably topped Group E.

Egypt leaned heavily on Mohamed Salah, African Footballer of the Year in 2017 and 2018, to navigate a tense group campaign. Salah scored twice, delivering a dramatic late winner against Zimbabwe before finding the net again against South Africa to seal first place in Group B.

Although Gabon exited early, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, African Footballer of the Year in 2015, still demonstrated his sharp finishing with a goal in the group stage.

Hosts Morocco were boosted by the return of Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 African Footballer of the Year, who came back from injury on matchday three. His inclusion strengthened the Atlas Lions defensively while adding an attacking outlet during a challenging group run.

Nigeria’s group-stage push was led by Ademola Lookman, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, whose influence was evident throughout. Lookman registered two goals and two assists, including a match-winning performance against Tunisia that earned him the Man of the Match award.

The Super Eagles were also inspired by Victor Osimhen, African Footballer of the Year in 2023, whose goal against Tunisia underlined his reputation for delivering in high-pressure moments.

Côte d’Ivoire’s attacking edge came from Amad Diallo, who scored twice in the group phase. His speed, creativity and composure were highlighted by a decisive winner against Mozambique that proved vital to Ivorian qualification.

Cameroon drew goals and invention from Bryan Mbeumo, whose intelligent movement and finishing troubled opponents throughout the group stage.

In Nigeria’s midfield, Raphael Onyedika quietly played a key role, controlling the tempo and enabling fluid transitions from defence to attack.

As AFCON 2025 moves into the knockout rounds, the group stage has set up a compelling storyline of experience meeting emergence. Former African Footballers of the Year — Mané, Mahrez, Salah, Aubameyang and Hakimi — continue to impose their authority, while younger talents such as Diallo, Mbeumo and Onyedika signal their readiness to take centre stage.

The knockout phase will reveal whether pedigree or youthful momentum prevails — and could ultimately hint at Africa’s next Footballer of the Year.

Opinion Nigeria News