A total of 36 matches have been played at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, bringing the first round to a close, with 87 goals scored and eight teams eliminated.
There are now 16 games to go before we know the identity of the tournament winners on January 18. The Round of 16 gets underway on Saturday.
Here are five players who excelled in the group stages:
Ibrahim Diaz
The Real Madrid midfield dynamo has fast become the star of the show and entrenched his status as the darling of Moroccan football. He had buzzed about like a fly on speed through the three games and scored in each one. But it is not just the goals that have made him such a menace, but his constant sniping at opposing defences, forcing mistakes and setting up chances for his teammates. Morocco will need the 26-year-old to keep up his form if they are to go on and win their home tournament.
Ayoub El Kaabi
Spectacular overhead goals are the speciality of the Morocco striker, not only seen at this tournament but also at club level with Olympiakos. The 32-year-old El Kaabi did not start as first choice in the opening game, but wasted little time once he got his opportunity and has three goals in as many games, leading the goalscoring stakes with Diaz and Riyad Mahrez of Algeria. He is set to be a key factor as the hosts now look ahead to the knockout round.
Ibrahim Maza
The 20-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen declared for Algeria in late 2004 after playing for Germany at junior level and has all the potential to become a leading star on the African stage. He is already a fan favourite with the Algerians for his busy work approach, link play, and the way he attacks the opposing defences, and when he crowned his work with a goal against Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday at the conclusion of the first round fixtures, there was a much louder cheer.
Victor Osimhen
There is no doubting that the Nigeria centre forward is among the most dangerous players at the Cup of Nations, although he does frustrate fans… and evidently himself too ... with the number of chances he misses. But what many do not see is how he is also a perfect foil, keeping opposing defenders busy and allowing teammates like Ademola Lookman to thrive in the space he creates. Osimhen, 27, has the ability to drive the Super Eagles to the title in Morocco.
Sadio Mane
With so many quality players in the Senegal squad, it was felt that the ageing Sadio Mane might be overwhelmed by the new talent and quietly shuffle off the stage, no longer needed by his team. However, this tournament, which is Mane’s sixth Cup of Nations, has proven that the 33-year-old is still very much the inspirational figure in the Lions of Teranga side. His forays down the left flank play a major part in Senegal’s attack.