5 best players from the AFCON 2025 Group Stage

The 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) has lived up to the billing thus far, with exciting moments and a good amount of goals from the group stage (87). We've witnessed standout performances from teams like Nigeria and Algeria, who won all three group stage games.

Furthermore, host nation Morocco, record winners Egypt, defending champions Ivory Coast, and tournament favourites Senegal all emerged from the group stage unbeaten. These teams sailed through the first round, powered by both solid teamwork and standout performances from key players.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the five best players from the group stage.

#5 Mohamed Salah

Angola vs Egypt Group B - 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations - Source: Getty

Egypt were the first nation to secure a Round of 16 ticket at AFCON 2025, a feat pioneered by their captain and star forward Mohamed Salah. Despite coming off a rough period at club level, the Egyptian King did not find it difficult to remind everyone of his pedigree and quality.

Salah guided the Pharaohs to victory in their opening fixture, scoring a stoppage-time winner (90+1), as Egypt came from behind to defeat Zimbabwe 2-1. In the following game, the Liverpool man stepped up again, dispatching a first-half penalty for a 1-0 win over South Africa. He was an unused sub against Angola, rested ahead of the knockout phase, where they will take on Benin.

Salah's influence on the team is undeniable, a testament to his reputation of being one of the best finishers in world football.

#4 Brahim Diaz

Morocco v Mali: Group A - Africa Cup Of Nations - Source: Getty

Playing on home soil, many have tipped Morocco to lift the AFCON. The Atlas Lions have dominated African football across different levels and are keen to assert the same on the grandest stage.

They put up a decent group stage display, recording two wins and a draw. Brahim Diaz has been Morocco's standout performer so far, driving the team's attack by scoring in all group stage matches.

The Real Madrid star notably scored the first goal of the tournament against Comoros before collecting two more goals in subsequent games versus Mali and Zambia. He became the first player to score in all AFCON group stage matches for Morocco, equalling a 49-year-old record held by Moroccan legend and all-time scorer, Ahmed Faras.

Interestingly, the last time the record was set (1976), Morocco went on to win the title, their only triumph to date.

#3 Riyad Mahrez

Algeria v Burkina Faso: Group E - Africa Cup Of Nations - Source: Getty

At age 34, Riyad Mahrez is most likely featuring at his last AFCON, and the Al-Ahli winger is making it worthwhile. With three goals from two games, he was one of the best players from the group stage.

The 2019 AFCON winner bagged a brace against Sudan and scored the lone goal in a hard-fought victory over Burkina Faso. Mahrez did not take to the pitch for Algeria's final group match against Equatorial Guinea, yet they soared to a 3-1 victory.

He has already matched his goal record from AFCON 2019. Algeria will play DR Congo in the next round, a more sophisticated opponent, and the team will be counting on their experienced and inspirational captain to do more in the elimination phase.

#2 Ademola Lookman

Tunisia vs Nigeria Group C - 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations - Source: Getty

Ademola Lookman was central to Nigeria's 100% record in the group stage. The 2024 African Footballer of the Year, alongside star forward Victor Osimhen, have been a thorn in the flesh of opposing defenders.

Nigeria's failure to secure qualification for next year's FIFA World Cup somewhat put a dent on expectations heading into the AFCON tournament. However, the Super Eagles have demonstrated that they possess quality, and their run to the 2023 final was no fluke.

With two goals and two assists in the group stage, Lookman has been the creative force behind Nigeria's attack that has produced eight goals, the most by any team in the competition.

#1 Ayoub El Kaabi

Morocco v Zambia - 35th Africa Cup of Nations - Source: Getty

Morocco's Ayoub El Kaabi is flying high into the Round of 16 with an impressive trio of accolades: contender for Goal of the Tournament, joint-leading goalscorer, and best player from the group stage.

The Olympiacos forward lit up the tournament in the opening fixture as he came off the bench to solidify his side's win over Comoros with an acrobatic finish. This earned him a starting role in subsequent matches, and after failing to score against Mali, he responded with a brace against Zambia, scoring another overhead kick in the process.

El Kaabi is having a tournament to remember and will look to continue his group stage heroics in the knockouts.

Edited by Okenna Okere