Lookman, Diaz, top-five performers of AFCON group stage

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 group stage came to a fitting conclusion on Wednesday night in Morocco, with Mozambique the final nation confirmed for the round of 16 as one of four best third-placed nations.

The 36 matches played provided drama, goals, and showcased excellent players performances, and we take a look at five of the best serving fans entertainment in Morocco.

Ayoub El Kaabi:

The Olympiacos striker scored two bicycle kick goals, with one being a goal of the tournament contender.

He stunned the capacity crowd on opening day with the acrobatic goal, and has been a focal point in attack for the host nation.

The 32-year-old is also joint-top goalscorer in the competition with three goals.

Ademola Lookman:

The forward has had to deal with club trouble in recent times, but his love affair with the AFCON tournament is undeniable. Two goals and two assists in the first two matches led Nigeria to early round of 16 progress.

His eight-goal contributions in nine AFCON appearances indicates more is to come in the knockout rounds.

Riyad Mahrez:

The wily-old tricky winger is defying age to lead Algeria on a mission on enemy territory. The 35-year-old captain is joint-top goalscorer with three goals in two matches, and produced a scintillating performance in the win over Sudan that included his trademark curling strike. His wealth of experience and performance could prove very vital in the knockout rounds.

Brahim Diaz:

Real Madrid’s attacking midfielder has been vital for Morocco, providing home fans with entertainment. He has won two penalties, and scored the first goal of the tournament. Most of Morocco’s attacks go through him, and his three goals put him as one of three players with the highest goals so far.

Amad Diallo:

Defending champions Ivory Coast are playing swashbuckling, possession-based football at the AFCON, and Manchester United’s Diallo is vital to its success. His emphatic strike was the winner against Mozambique, another fantastic finish to a team move gave his nation the lead against Cameroon, and his cameo in the final group match lifted Ivory Coast to a comeback 3-2 victory.

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