The 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament came to a conclusion on Sunday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which also hosted the opening clash of the tournament, SportPremi reports.
As it happened at the 2023 edition, the host nation reached the final of this tournament, although Morocco could not repeat Ivory Coast’s success two years ago, after their narrow loss to Senegal.
The tournament commenced on the 21st of December 2025 and ended almost a month later, with the Lions of Teranga winning their second title, while Morocco’s wait for a second goes on.
Here are some interesting statistics you might have missed at the tournament;
Senegal win chaotic final
The final match between Senegal and Morocco was befitting of the occasion, as they were the top two teams on the continent.
However, chaos unfolded in the closing stages of the normal time in the clash, leading to a 16-minute delay before play eventually resumed.
- Read this: SportPremi AFCON 2025 team of the tournament
Pape Gueye was the hero for his side, scoring a thunderous shot in the first half of extra-time to clinch victory for the Lions of Teranga and break the hearts of the host nation.
Nigeria win bronze medal
The Super Eagles set a new record at the 2025 AFCON tournament following victory over Egypt in the bronze medal match.
It marked their ninth in the competition’s history – the most of any nation, while it was also their 17th appearance on the podium, which is also a tournament record.
First goal – Brahim Diaz vs Comoros
Brahim Diaz scored the opening goal of the 2025 AFCON tournament with his second half strike in Morocco’s 2-0 win over Comoros on the 21st of December.
Golden boot winner – Brahim Diaz (5 goals)
With five goals throughout the tournament, Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz finished as topscorer of the 2025 AFCON.
The Morocco forward scored in all his first five appearances and finished one goal above Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen.
However, he will be gutted after missing a penalty kick that could have won the tournament for Morocco with the last kick of the final, with Senegal’s Edouard Mendy saving his attempted panenka.
Best player award – Sadio Mane
Senegal forward Sadio Mane enjoyed another impressive tournament on the continental scene, guiding his side to victory.
He surpassed Yaya Toure for most assists in the competition’s history with his brace of assists in their 3-1 win over Sudan in the Round of 16 and was the main reason the players came back onto the pitch in the final, after they initially walked off in protest against the penalty awarded to Morocco.
Best goalkeeper – Yassine Bounou
Despite ending up on the losing side, Bounou claimed the golden glove award after another impressive display in goal.
He conceded only two goals throughout the tournament and was the hero of the shootout win over Nigeria in their semifinal clash.
The former Sevilla goalkeeper also made several saves to keep his side in the game in the final, although they ended up on the losing side.
AFCON 2025 breaks goalscoring record (121 goals)
The 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament ended with 121 goals scored in Morocco, setting a new record for the most at a single edition.
It surpassed the 119 that was scored at the previous edition in Ivory Coast.
Highest margin of victory – Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Mozambique in their Round of 16 clash represented the biggest margin of victory at the tournament.
The Super Eagles had finished top of Group C and faced the Mozambicans who finished third in Group F.
