As the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gets underway, the tournament has already delivered compelling storylines, historic milestones, and early signs of who could challenge for continental glory.

The heavyweight nations have largely avoided the shocks that defined the previous edition, while emerging teams have seized their moment on Africa’s biggest football stage. From Mohamed Salah’s timely goals to Achraf Hakimi’s cautious return, here are six major talking points from the group phase of AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

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1. Tournament Favourites Stay on Track — For Now

After the dramatic group-stage exits of Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana in 2023, this year’s edition has seen Africa’s elite navigate the opening round with minimal disruption.

All of the top 12-ranked African teams progressed comfortably, with group wins for:

• Algeria
• Morocco
• Egypt
• Nigeria
• Senegal
• Ivory Coast

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has been particularly influential, scoring three goals to sit atop the tournament’s scoring charts.

One of the few genuine surprises came from Mozambique, ranked 102nd in the world, who claimed their first-ever AFCON finals victory in their 17th appearance by defeating Gabon. The fallout was immediate, with Gabon’s government sacking the coaching staff, suspending players, and banning star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Meanwhile, Sudan reached the knockout stage despite the ongoing civil war at home, advancing from the group phase for just the second time since lifting the trophy in 1970.

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2. Tanzania and Benin Rewrite AFCON History

Mozambique were not alone in breaking new ground. Tanzania reached the AFCON knockout stage for the first time despite finishing with only two points, a record-low tally for a third-placed qualifier since the tournament expanded to 24 teams in 2019.

A crucial draw against Tunisia — ranked 71 places higher — was enough to send the Taifa Stars through, setting up a last-16 clash with hosts Morocco in Rabat.

Benin, known as the Cheetahs, also ended a long-standing drought by claiming their first-ever AFCON win in regular time, ending a 15-match wait. Their reward is a daunting tie against Egypt in Agadir.

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3. Mohamed Salah Delivering When Egypt Need Him Most

Despite not yet hitting top form, Mohamed Salah has once again proved decisive for Egypt.

The Liverpool forward scored two goals in the group stage, equalling his best-ever AFCON tally at this stage of the competition. His strikes included:

• A dramatic 91st-minute winner against Zimbabwe
• A composed Panenka penalty against South Africa, before Egypt held on with 10 men

Salah and Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush were rested for Egypt’s final group match, a goalless draw with Angola, as the Pharaohs finished on seven points.

With questions lingering over his club form earlier in the season, Salah now turns his focus to improving his modest knockout-stage AFCON record as Egypt chase an eighth continental title.

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4. Hakimi’s Fitness Remains a Key Question for Morocco

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi made his long-awaited return from injury during the second half of the hosts’ final group win over Zambia — his first appearance in almost two months.

While reigning African Footballer of the Year Hakimi brings immense quality, coach Walid Regragui has been cautious about rushing him back into the starting XI, acknowledging the physical demands placed on Morocco’s full-backs.

Regragui praised Paris St-Germain for releasing Hakimi early and also commended Noussair Mazraoui and Mohamed Chibi for stepping up in his absence.

Whether Hakimi is fit enough to start against Tanzania remains one of the major questions heading into the knockout phase.

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5. Dark Horses Ready to Spring Surprises

Several teams have quietly positioned themselves as potential AFCON 2025 dark horses.

• DR Congo held reigning champions Senegal to a draw and face Algeria in a high-stakes last-16 tie.
• Tunisia, under coach Sami Trabelsi, have shown flashes of quality after avoiding another early exit.
• Cameroon, led by new boss David Pagou, boast attacking depth with Bryan Mbeumo and teenage sensation Christian Kofane.
• Mali remain unbeaten and became the first team in 21 months to avoid defeat against Morocco, with Lassine Sinayoko continuing his impressive AFCON scoring run.

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6. Morocco 2025 Could Be the Wettest AFCON Ever

While organisers often promise “the best AFCON ever,” Morocco 2025 is already making a strong case for being the wettest tournament in the competition’s history.

Persistent rain and cold conditions have drenched matches, with soaked kits and slippery surfaces becoming a familiar sight — a sharp contrast to the heat and humidity of previous editions.

Despite the weather, the quality of pitches and stadium infrastructure has impressed, offering an early glimpse of Morocco’s readiness ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

Crowds have been smaller for non-host matches, but the facilities have comfortably handled the challenging conditions as attention now turns to the knockout rounds.