By Joshua Kosimbom
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
The group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has delivered everything African football promises: intensity, unpredictability, goals, and powerful narratives. Across six groups and 24 matches, the tournament produced 87 goals, underlining a competition driven by attacking ambition and tactical diversity. As the dust settles and attention shifts to the knockout rounds, the group phase leaves behind clear trends, dominant forces, and unforgettable stories.
The Perfect Run: Algeria and Nigeria Set the Standard
Two nations emerged with spotless records, standing apart from the rest of the field. Algeria and Nigeria, both finishing with nine points, were the only teams to win all three of their group matches.
Algeria’s campaign in Group E was defined by balance and ruthless efficiency. With nine goals scored, the Desert Foxes combined technical control with decisive finishing, led by the experience and class of Riyad Mahrez. Their flawless run reaffirmed Algeria’s status as one of the tournament’s most complete sides.
Nigeria, meanwhile, dominated Group C with authority. The Super Eagles scored eight goals, blending physical power with creativity and pace. Victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda showcased a side comfortable in both high-tempo exchanges and controlled phases of play. Their perfect group stage has once again ignited debate around the infamous AFCON “nine-point curse” as they head into the Round of 16 against Mozambique.
Top Attacks: Goals as a Statement of Intent
If AFCON 2025 has sent one clear message, it is that attacking football is thriving on the continent. Algeria’s nine goals and Nigeria’s eight made them the most potent attacks of the group stage, but they were far from alone.
Across the tournament, established stars and emerging talents shared the spotlight, with goals flowing from open play, set pieces, and moments of individual brilliance. The high goal tally reflects not only offensive quality but also the willingness of teams to play boldly rather than cautiously, even in high-stakes group matches.
The Underdog Story: Sudan Rewrite History
Every AFCON produces a surprise, and in 2025, Sudan provided one of the most compelling stories. Against expectations, they secured a historic qualification for the Round of 16, progressing at the expense of Equatorial Guinea.
Sudan’s journey was built on organisation, discipline, and collective belief rather than star power. In a group containing more fancied opponents, their ability to manage games and seize key moments earned them a place among the best third-placed teams, marking a landmark achievement in the nation’s continental history.
The Host Nation: Morocco’s Authority and Recovery
As hosts, Morocco carried both expectation and pressure and once again delivered consistency. The Atlas Lions finished top of Group A with seven points, extending an extraordinary record of topping their AFCON group for the fourth consecutive edition.
Their campaign was not without tension. After an opening win over Comoros, Morocco were held to a 1–1 draw by Mali, with Brahim Díaz scoring a penalty before Lassine Sinayoko equalised.
The result sparked concern among supporters, but the response was emphatic. In the decisive final group match, Walid Regragui’s men produced their best performance, dismantling Zambia 3–0 to restore confidence and authority.
That victory confirmed Morocco’s dominance in Group A and reinforced their reputation as one of the tournament’s leading contenders. Their consistency over recent editions perfect in 2019 and collecting seven points in 2021, 2023, and now 2025 highlights a stable project built on tactical clarity and squad depth.
Group-by-Group Balance and Emerging Forces
Beyond the headline acts, the group stage showcased the depth of African football. Egypt, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire advanced with authority, blending experience with emerging talent. Teams such as Mali, South Africa, Tunisia, DR Congo, Benin, and Mozambique demonstrated resilience and tactical identity, while debut or lower-ranked sides like Tanzania made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time.
In Morocco’s case, the Round of 16 presents a fascinating encounter against Tanzania, a side writing its own story after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams. History favours the Atlas Lions six wins from seven meetings but AFCON’s reputation warns against complacency.
What the Numbers and Narratives Tell Us
The statistics of the group stage go hand in hand with its stories. Eighty-seven goals, two perfect campaigns, historic qualifications, and hosts delivering under pressure all point to a tournament rich in quality and contrast. AFCON 2025 has once again proven that reputation offers no guarantees and that opportunity exists for both giants and underdogs.
As the knockout rounds begin, margins will narrow and pressure will intensify. Yet, if the group stage is any indication, the most dramatic chapters of AFCON 2025 may still lie ahead where form meets fate, and African football once again captivates the continent and beyond.
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