The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continues to deliver high drama both on and off the pitch, reinforcing its reputation as one of world football’s most vibrant and compelling tournaments.
Morocco, the host nation, has transformed itself into a global football hub over the past week. Stadiums have not only been packed with passionate supporters but have also drawn several high-profile figures from the global game. Former France and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has been a regular presence, closely following his son Luca, who has been guarding the goal for Algeria. French stars Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, both of Cameroonian heritage, were also spotted in the stands, along with Barcelona defender Jules Koundé.
On the pitch, Algeria have emerged as one of the standout sides of the group stage. A narrow 1–0 victory over Burkina Faso secured their passage into the knockout rounds, with Riyad Mahrez once again delivering when it mattered most from the penalty spot. The goal extended his record as Algeria’s all-time leading scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations, while goalkeeper Luca Zidane impressed with a series of timely saves to preserve the win.
Elsewhere, Mozambique produced one of the biggest shocks of the tournament by defeating Gabon 3–2, ending a 40-year wait for an AFCON victory. Goals from Faisal Bangal, Geny Catamo and Diogo Calila sealed a historic result, pushing the Mambas firmly into contention for a knockout spot. Veteran winger Elias Pelembe played a pivotal role in guiding his side through a memorable night that revived hopes of a first-ever progression beyond the group stage.
Group F has also delivered high-intensity drama. Defending champions Ivory Coast were held to a 1–1 draw by Cameroon in a fiercely contested encounter. Amad Diallo opened the scoring with a fine strike before Junior Tchamadeu responded for the Indomitable Lions. The result left both sides level on points at the top of the group, ensuring a tense battle for qualification in the remaining fixtures.
In another closely fought contest, Sudan edged Equatorial Guinea 1–0 thanks to a late own goal, a result that further tightened the standings and highlighted the fine margins separating success and elimination at this year’s tournament.
As the group stage approaches its decisive phase, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continues to live up to its reputation — delivering drama, quality and emotion in equal measure. With heavyweight clashes still to come and qualification battles wide open, the tournament shows no sign of slowing down.
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