The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations exploded into life in Morocco with a thrilling Matchday 1 that delivered goals, drama, and elite individual performances across the continent. Between December 21 and 24, 12 matches produced 29 goals, statement wins from the heavyweights, and early reminders of why AFCON remains one of world football’s most unpredictable tournaments.
With favourites such as Senegal, Algeria, Tunisia, and hosts Morocco all starting strongly and only Mali dropping points among the top seeds. Matchday 1 set a high benchmark. Based on official CAF Man of the Match awards, performance ratings, and overall match influence, Sport Flames presents its Official AFCON 2025 Matchday 1 Best XI, lined up in a classic 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper
Goitseone Phoko (Botswana)
Despite a 3–0 defeat to defending Senegal, Phoko was outstanding. His reflex saves and composure under relentless pressure kept the scoreline respectable and earned him widespread praise as one of the opening round’s standout performers.
Defenders
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Mazraoui delivered a balanced performance in Morocco’s 2–0 win over Comoros, combining defensive discipline with intelligent overlapping runs to help secure a clean sheet for the hosts.
Semi Ajayi (Nigeria)
Man of the Match in Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania, Ajayi was dominant at both ends. He scored a crucial goal, commanded the backline, and showcased leadership in a tightly contested opener.
Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso)
Tapsoba led by example as Burkina Faso edged Equatorial Guinea 2–1. His defensive authority and stoppage-time winner underlined his importance and composure in pressure moments.
Ali Abdi (Tunisia)
Abdi impressed with his energy and consistency in Tunisia’s 3–1 win over Uganda, offering width, defensive solidity, and attacking support from left-back.
Midfielders
Theo Bongonda (DR Congo)
Bongonda was decisive in DR Congo’s narrow 1–0 win over Benin, dictating play and scoring the winning goal to earn Man of the Match honours.
Mamadou Sangaré (Mali)
Even in Mali’s 1–1 draw with Zambia, Sangaré stood out. His box-to-box presence, control, and defensive work made him the heartbeat of Mali’s midfield.
Elias Achouri (Tunisia)
The standout midfielder of Matchday 1, Achouri tore Uganda apart with a brace. His pace, movement, and clinical finishing earned him the highest individual ratings of the opening round.
Forwards
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Mahrez produced a vintage display in Algeria’s 3–0 win over Sudan, scoring twice and orchestrating attacks with trademark elegance and experience.
Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)
Jackson powered Senegal’s 3–0 victory over Botswana with a clinical brace, leading the line with strength, movement, and composure.
Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)
Iwobi dazzled in Nigeria’s win against Tanzania, delivering 2 assists and controlling the midfield, equalling a long-standing AFCON record.
Honourable Mentions
Several players delivered performances worthy of recognition and narrowly missed out on Sport Flames’ Best XI:
- Omar Marmoush (Egypt): Key figure in Egypt’s 2–1 comeback win, scoring and leading the attack.
- Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire): Scored the only goal and earned Man of the Match honours against Mozambique.
- Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon): Dominant wide display in Cameroon’s 1–0 victory over Gabon.
- Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): Match-winning goal in Nigeria’s 2–1 win over Tanzania.
- Brahim Díaz (Morocco): Dazzled in Morocco’s win, scoring a sublime goal and driving the hosts’ attacking play with creativity and flair.
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Delivered a decisive injury-time winner to secure victory.
- Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal): Late goal to cap Senegal’s commanding win over Botswana.
- Patson Daka (Zambia): Stoppage-time equaliser to earn Zambia a vital point against Mali.
- Ellyes Skhiri (Tunisia): Midfield dominance and opening goal in Tunisia’s 3–1 win over Uganda.
Sport Flames Take
Matchday 1 showcased AFCON’s depth, intensity, and unpredictability, with stars emerging across all positions and nations. As the tournament moves into Matchday 2, the challenge now is consistency: can these performers sustain their level, or will new heroes steal the spotlight in the next round?
