A to Z of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Pape Gueye netted the sole goal in extra time during the Sunday final versus Morocco, returning the Africa Cup of Nations trophy to Senegal four years on from their initial success.
AFP Sport highlights key moments from the 35th tournament in alphabetical order, marking the debut edition spread across two years after commencing on December 21.
A
Algeria advanced to the knockout rounds for the first time since 2019, yet following a nail biting round of 16 victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo, they were overwhelmed by Nigeria in the quarter finals.
B
South Africa manager Hugo Broos faced criticism from sports minister Gayton McKenzie after stating that the AFCON missed the atmosphere of the 2024 event in Ivory Coast.
C
Following the sacking of manager Marc Brys and the exclusion of keeper Andre Onana plus forward Vincent Aboubakar just before the tournament, Cameroon made it to the quarter finals by drawing with Ivory Coast and defeating South Africa.
D
Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo notched three goals and earned three man of the match honours before being contained in a quarter final loss to Egypt.
E
The seven time record holders Egypt once more stumbled against their nemesis Senegal, falling 1-0 in a gripping semi final. This marked the Pharaohs third successive competitive loss to the Teranga Lions.
F
Manager Emerse Fae failed to replicate the remarkable turnaround that led Ivory Coast to the 2024 crown despite dropping two group encounters. He pointed to lapses in focus as the cause of their last eight exit against Egypt.
G
A total of 121 goals were registered at the 2025 AFCON, surpassing the prior edition in Ivory Coast by two. Moroccan midfielder Brahim Diaz claimed the top scorer award with five strikes.
H
Ex Egypt standout Wael Gomaa argues that manager Hossam Hassan ought to select solely domestic talent. Alluding to the third place match defeat by Nigeria, Gomaa lambasted the so called overseas professionals.
I
Poor conduct resulted in Mali playing with 10 players in three straight fixtures. Amadou Haidara and Woyo Coulibaly received direct dismissals while skipper Yves Bissouma was ejected following two bookings.
J
Nicolas Jackson became the initial player to score a double in a game, netting twice for Senegal versus Botswana. Seven others later replicated this achievement. No player managed a treble.
K
The 19 year old Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane shone for Cameroon, delivering decisive winners against Mozambique and South Africa.
L
Ademola Lookman slotted home the decisive spot kick that secured Nigeria's win over Egypt in the bronze medal shoot out. It represented Nigeria's eighth triumph in the third place contest.
M
Conceding defeat in the final to Senegal handed Morocco their initial competitive home loss since a 2-0 reversal to Cameroon in a World Cup qualifier 17 years earlier.
N
Nigeria tallied 14 goals, the highest total for any side. Victor Osimhen led with four goals, followed by Lookman on three, and Akor Adams along with Raphael Onyedika on two apiece.
O
Egypt's Ahmed Fatouh, Equatorial Guinea's Saul Coco, Mozambique's Feliciano 'Nene' Jone, and South Africa's Aubrey Modiba endured the mishap of netting own goals.
P
At 42 years old, Mozambique's Elias Pelembe retired from international duty after featuring in three AFCONs. He ranks as the second eldest participant after ex Egypt custodian Essam El Hadary.
Q
Cameroon contested the harshness and haste of CAF's suspension of federation head Samuel Eto'o from four matches, including the AFCON decider, due to his remarks about an official.
R
German tactician Gernot Rohr kept delivering with underdogs Benin. The Cheetahs pushed Egypt into additional time before bowing out in the round of 16.
S
Pape Gueye's decisive strike in the final against Morocco marked Senegal's first goal across four AFCON finals. They had won in 2022 via penalties following a stalemate with Egypt.
T
As co hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda, Tanzania qualified for the knockouts on their fourth try. Upon reaching the last 16, they held Morocco to a narrow 1-0 margin.
U
During a group stage defeat to Nigeria, Uganda deployed three keepers. Denis Onyango departed injured at the break, stand in Salim Magoola was dismissed, prompting the entry of Nathan Alionzi.
V
Benin and Mozambique secured their maiden AFCON triumphs. Benin overcame Botswana to snap a 15 game drought without a win, while Mozambique toppled Gabon after four stalemates and 12 defeats.
W
A stunning strike from replacement Adil Boulbina, with his rocket burying into the top corner, clinched Algeria a 1-0 success over the Democratic Republic of Congo in a fierce last 16 encounter.
X
Morocco boss Walid Regragui dubbed Brahim Diaz the X factor in his squad. The 50 year old strategist noted, He could emerge as the globe's finest talent if he so desires.
Y
Senegal skipper and centre back Kalidou Koulibaly plus forward Habib Diallo sat out the final owing to accumulating two cautions each in the knockout rounds.
Z
Custodian Luca Zidane, offspring of French legend Zinedine Zidane, preserved three shutouts for Algeria prior to shipping two goals in a quarter final setback against Nigeria.