The Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) delivered thrilling football, dramatic turnarounds, and intense extra-time contests as the competition moved into its decisive phase. With attacking quality on full display, the race for continental glory and the Golden Boot has gathered even greater momentum.
Defending champions Senegal continued their impressive run with a commanding 3–1 victory over Sudan at the Tangier Grand Stadium. The Lions of Teranga were momentarily stunned when Aamir Abdallah struck inside the opening six minutes, but their response was swift and authoritative. Midfielder Pape Gueye dominated proceedings, scoring twice before half-time, while teenage prodigy Ibrahim Mbaye sealed the win late on to send Senegal into the quarter-finals.
Mali progressed after one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament, edging past Tunisia following a tense penalty shootout at the Mohammed V Stadium. The contest finished 1–1 after extra time. Tunisia appeared on course for victory after Firas Chaouat’s late goal, but Lassine Sinayoko converted a stoppage-time penalty to force spot-kicks. Mali kept their composure from the spot, winning the shootout 3–2.
Hosts Morocco booked their place in the last eight with a disciplined 1–0 victory over Tanzania in Rabat. Dominating possession throughout the match, the Atlas Lions eventually found the breakthrough midway through the second half when Brahim Díaz struck, sparking celebrations at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Cameroon also advanced after a spirited comeback 2–1 win over South Africa at Al Medina Stadium. Evidence Makgopa gave Bafana Bafana a late lead, but goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane turned the tie around in favour of the Indomitable Lions.
The Round of 16 concluded on Monday, January 5, with Egypt securing a hard-fought 3–1 extra-time victory over Benin in Agadir. After a tightly contested 90 minutes, the Pharaohs’ experience proved decisive in extra time as they completed the quarter-final line-up.
Top Scorers at AFCON 2025
After 41 matches, a total of 101 goals have been scored at the tournament, averaging 2.46 goals per game and highlighting the competition’s strong attacking quality.
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz leads the scoring chart with four goals, underlining his importance to the hosts’ title ambitions. Several players remain close behind on three goals, including Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Morocco striker Ayoub El Kaabi, and Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko—all still active contenders in the Golden Boot race.
Goalscorers Summary
4 goals:
Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
3 goals:
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)
Lassine Sinayoko (Mali)
2 goals:
Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)
Christian Kofane (Cameroon)
Gaël Kakuta (DR Congo)
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
Geny Catamo (Mozambique)
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria)
Oswin Appollis (South Africa)
Lyle Foster (South Africa)
Pape Gueye (Senegal)
Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)
Cherif Ndiaye (Senegal)
Elias Achouri (Tunisia)
With several top scorers still in contention and the quarter-finals approaching, AFCON 2025 is set to deliver even more excitement as Africa’s finest nations continue their battle for continental supremacy.
Source: Yen.com.gh
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