The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco delivered another wave of drama, intensity, and quality football as Matchday 2 unfolded between December 26 and 29.
Across 12 matches, fans were treated to 24 goals, late twists, high-stakes draws, and statement wins. Tournament heavyweights such as Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt booked early qualification, while surprises dominated headlines, Sudan shocked Equatorial Guinea, and Mozambique stunned Gabon in a five-goal thriller.
Defining moments included Riyad Mahrez’s ice-cold penalty, Mohamed Salah’s decisive strike, Sadio Mané’s clutch equaliser, Amad Diallo’s wonder goal, and Victor Osimhen’s monstrous display in Nigeria’s 3–2 classic against Tunisia.
Using official CAF Man of the Match awards, Flashscore and WhoScored ratings, and decisive in-game contributions, Sport Flames presents its Best XI from Matchday 2, set up in a 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper
Lionel Mpasi (DR Congo) — Rating: 8.1
Mpasi was exceptional in DR Congo’s 1–1 draw with Senegal. His reflex saves and calm distribution under pressure preserved a crucial point and earned him the highest goalkeeper rating of the round.
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) — Rating: 7.8
Hakimi combined defensive discipline with trademark attacking runs as Morocco held Mali to a 1–1 draw, remaining unbeaten on home soil.
Yohan Roche (Benin) — Rating: 8.5 (Official CAF MOTM)
History-maker. Roche scored the winner and marshalled the defence as Benin claimed their first-ever AFCON victory, defeating Botswana 1–0.
Nayef Aguerd (Morocco) — Rating: 7.7
A commanding presence at the back, Aguerd neutralised Mali’s threats and led Morocco with authority in another composed outing.
Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo) — Rating: 7.5
Energetic and intelligent down the left, Masuaku was key in DR Congo’s transition play and assisted Bakambu’s opener against Senegal.
Midfielders
Yves Bissouma (Mali) — Rating: 8.0
Bissouma dictated midfield tempo against Morocco, combining ball recovery with progressive distribution in a physically demanding contest.
Alex Iwobi (Nigeria) — Rating: 8.3
The creative heartbeat of Nigeria’s midfield. Iwobi controlled rhythm, unlocked Tunisia repeatedly, and played a decisive role in the Super Eagles’ attacking flow.
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) — Rating: 8.9 (Official CAF MOTM)
Electric. Lookman tormented Tunisia with direct dribbling, sharp movement, and a crucial goal, earning Man of the Match honours.
Forward
Riyad Mahrez (Algerial) – Rating: 7.5
Mahrez’s composure from the spot sealed Algeria’s 1–0 win over Burkina Faso and confirmed qualification. Class, control, and leadership on display.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) — Rating: 8.5
Unplayable. Osimhen bullied Tunisia’s defence with power, movement, and elite finishing, scoring twice in Nigeria’s 3–2 victory to secure a Round of 16 spot.
Sadio Mané (Senegal) — Rating: 8.0 (Official CAF MOTM)
Mané delivered when it mattered most, scoring a crucial equaliser against DR Congo to keep Senegal firmly in control of Group D.
Honorable Mentions (Sport Flames)
Several standout performers narrowly missed out on the XI:
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) — Flashscore MOTM; sensational goal vs Cameroon
Mohamed Salah (Egypt) — Match-winner vs South Africa
Cédric Bakambu (DR Congo) — Opened scoring vs Senegal
Bruno Catamo (Mozambique) — Key penalty in shock win vs Gabon
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) — Scored despite defeat
Gelson Dala (Angola) — Goal in draw vs Zimbabwe
Simon Msuva (Tanzania) — Crucial equaliser vs Uganda
Walter Musona (Zimbabwe) — Late goal to rescue a point
Final Word
Matchday 2 raised the stakes across the board. With qualification battles tightening and momentum swinging rapidly, AFCON 2025 is entering its most volatile phase yet.
Matchday 3 promises tension, heartbreak, and new heroes and Sport Flames will be watching closely.
