The first round of matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) has delivered early drama, clear tactical patterns and loads of goals.
Senegal were ruthless in a 3–0 dismantling of Botswana. Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Tunisia all opened their campaigns with victories, while individual forwards seized the moment to announce themselves as early contenders for Golden Boot relevance.
Notably absent from this conversation is Victor Osimhen and Bryan Mbeumo, two of the continent’s most valuable forwards.
Osimhen, Africa’s most feared striker, did not feature on matchday one, opening the door for a new hierarchy of attacking excellence to emerge.
Ahead of matchday two, here is a ranking of the ten most impressive forwards from the opening round based on impact, tactical influence and execution.
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10. AFCON 2025 dangerman: Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) – 7.34
Defending champions Ivory Coast looked short of ideas against Mozambique until Diallo provided the decisive spark. His goal was not just technically clean but psychologically vital, the moment that settled nerves and tilted momentum.
The Manchester United forward may not dominate games physically, but his timing, movement and composure in tight spaces mark him as a tournament threat.
9. AFCON 2025 dangerman: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – 7.50
Nigeria’s match-winner once again proved why he thrives in tournament football. Lookman’s second-half strike against Zambia combined intelligence and precision, arriving at the perfect moment after Nigeria had been pegged back.
Already a proven AFCON performer, the Atalanta forward looks primed for another influential campaign.
8. AFCON 2025 dangerman: Omar Marmoush (Egypt) – 7.74
Marmoush’s equaliser rescued Egypt from the brink against Zimbabwe and changed the entire tone of the match.
Beyond the goal, his work rate, positional flexibility and willingness to drop into pockets made him Egypt’s most dynamic attacker. Six shots told their own story.
7. AFCON 2025 dangerman: Lyle Foster (South Africa) – 7.77
Few forwards had a more complete matchday-one performance.
Foster scored, assisted and led South Africa’s line with maturity beyond his years in the 2-1 win over Angola. His blend of power and intelligence will be central if Bafana Bafana are to go deep.
6. Lassine Sinayoko (Mali) – 7.80
Mali did not win, but Sinayoko impressed. A goal, three shots and constant menace ensured Zambia were never comfortable.
He stretched the pitch, attacked space aggressively and hinted at a breakout tournament ahead.
5. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 8.16
Salah delivered when it mattered, carving out Egypt’s winning goal after Marmoush had drawn them level. Yet by his own lofty standards, this was a measured rather than dominant display.
With his first goal secured, expect the Liverpool star to climb this ranking quickly; but for now, fifth reflects the matchday-one balance.
4. Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – 7.99
After a quiet first half, Díaz ignited Morocco’s opener with a moment of Real Madrid polish. His ability to operate between lines and strike decisively under pressure remains Morocco’s greatest attacking asset in tight games.
3. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – 8.37
Mahrez rolled back the years with a masterclass against Sudan.
Two goals, complete control and relentless invention defined Algeria’s 3–0 win. When Mahrez plays with this freedom, few defenders in Africa can live with him.
2. Nicolas Jackson (Senegal) – 8.54
Jackson was devastating. His brace powered Senegal past Botswana, and only the brilliance of goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko prevented a heavier scoreline.
Sharp, direct and ruthless, Jackson looks every inch an AFCON Golden Boot contender.
1. Elias Achouri (Tunisia) – 9.18
The standout performer of matchday one. Achouri’s two goals against Uganda were only part of the story; his movement, decision-making and confidence lit up the contest.
Tunisia’s clash with Nigeria now carries added intrigue, with Achouri emerging as a potential breakout star of AFCON 2025.
NB: All stats from WhoScored.
