AFCON: Diaz, Jackson among best 5 performers from Matchday 1

The first matchday of the ongoing Africa Nations Cup AFCON 2025 in Morocco has been concluded with Cameroon edging Gabon 1-0 on Wednesday night.

The tournament has produced 29 goals and two red cards in 12 matches played so far. Much is expected from the stars assembled in Morocco and some have delivered for their nations, and we review the best five of the lot.

Brahim Diaz

The tricky attacking midfielder was central to the success Morocco enjoyed in the opening match against Comoros. The Real Madrid man won a penalty that was missed, and eventually scored the opening goal of the tournament. Big things are expected of the 26-year-old who won the player of the match award as Morocco go in search of their second AFCON title. Nicholas Jackson: Profligate in Europe, lethal in Africa. The Bayern Munich loanee led Senegal to an emphatic 3-0 win with a brace. The second goal was a beauty, and tells a player rich in confidence and at home in Morocco. His control and touch to evade two defenders before an emphatic finish is a highlight reel.

Ronwen Williams

South Africa were able to limit Angola to one goal thanks to Williams’ performance. He has continued from where he left off at AFCON 23, as the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper saved thrice at point-blank range, and won all his ground and aerial duels. He was in command of his area, and his performance was crucial to the Bafana Bafana’s win.

Elias Achouri

Tunisia’s tricky winger produced an emphatic performance against Uganda to steal the limelight on the night. He scored with a first-time shot into the roof of the net from a cross, and showed great movement to free himself into space at the back post to bundle home the rebound and announce his arrival at the continental showpiece.

Riyad Mahrez

Two goals including a well-executed trademark curling shot despite the attention of three players and the goalkeeper before the strike. Mahrez was a constant menace in the match, and his goals were the icing on the cake for the 35-year-old captain who rolled back the years for a man of the match display.

Honourable mentions

Ayoub El Kaabi scored a bicycle kick goal to seal Morocco’s 2-0 win in the opening fixture. The striker’s audacity to produce a goal of the tournament contender on the first day is applauded. Mohamed Salah also left his Liverpool troubles behind to lead Egypt to a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe, scoring the winning goal in the dying minutes.

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