The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage in Morocco delivered one of the most exciting opening rounds in the tournament’s 24-team history, producing 87 goals in 36 matches — an average of 2.42 goals per game.
The competition also recorded strong fan engagement, with an estimated 729,935 spectators across stadiums — roughly 20,000 fans per match.
The group phase saw 9 penalties awarded and all converted, while referees showed 4 red cards, highlighting a blend of attacking intent and heated contests.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Algeria’s Desert Foxes made the loudest statements, finishing their groups with a perfect 9 points each.
Nigeria emerged from Group C as the most prolific team, scoring 8 goals — the highest by any side.
Their attack averaged 2.7 goals per match and featured six different goal scorers.
However, Nigeria’s defense conceded 4 goals — their highest group-stage concession since 1990.
Algeria matched Nigeria’s 100% record in Group E, led by captain Riyad Mahrez, who finished the group stage among the joint-top scorers with 3 goals.
Morocco – 7 pts (Group winners, advanced)Mali – 3 pts (2nd, advanced)Comoros & Zambia – 2 pts each (Eliminated)The Atlas Lions scored 9 goals, powered by Ayoub El Kaabi and Brahim Díaz, both netting multiple goals.
Egypt – 7 pts (Winners)South Africa – 6 pts (2nd)Angola & Zimbabwe (Eliminated)14 goals were scored, with Mohamed Salah delivering key moments for Egypt.
Nigeria – 9 pts (Winners)Tunisia – 4 pts (2nd)Uganda – 2 pts (Advanced as one of the best 3rd places)Tanzania – 1 pt (Eliminated)
This was the highest-scoring group with 20 goals total.
Senegal – 7 ptsDR Congo – 7 ptsBenin – 3 pts (Advanced as 3rd place)Botswana – 0 pts (Eliminated)13 goals scored in the group.
Algeria – 9 ptsBurkina Faso – 3 ptsSudan – 3 pts (Advanced as best 3rd)Equatorial Guinea – 0 pts (Eliminated)14 goals scored.
Côte d’Ivoire – 4 ptsCameroon – 4 ptsMozambique (Advanced as best 3rd)Gabon – 0 pts (Eliminated)17 goals scored — one of the strongest attacking groups.
Three players finished tied on 3 goals:Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
✔ Group Winners: Nigeria, Algeria, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire✔ Runners-Up: South Africa, Mali, Tunisia, DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Cameroon✔ Best 3rd-Placed Teams: Uganda, Benin, Sudan, Mozambique
A total of 16 teams advanced to the knockout stage.
The 87 goals scored is the second-highest tally since AFCON expanded to 24 teams.Former champions including Morocco, Egypt, Senegal, and Algeria displayed strong consistency.
Sudan reached the knockouts despite their only goal involvement in one match coming from an opponent’s own goal.