Matchday One of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has officially drawn the curtain, and if the opening round is anything to go by, African football is in a very good place. Across 12 matches, 29 goals were scored, there were no goalless games, just one draw, two penalties, both saved, and two red cards. Beyond the numbers, however, the real story of Matchday One was the clear intent shown by the continent’s heavyweight nations and the overall quality of football on display.
One of the most striking takeaways from the opening round is how prepared the top-seeded teams looked. Eleven of the twelve top-ranked sides picked up victories, with Mali’s 1–1 draw against Zambia the only exception. This suggests a shift from previous tournaments where favourites often struggled against lower-ranked opponents. At AFCON 2025, the message from the big teams is clear: lessons have been learned. Games are being approached with greater maturity, tactical discipline, and respect for every opponent.
Credit must also go to the host nation. Morocco have delivered both on and off the pitch, with well-organised venues, impressive pitches, and packed stadiums that have added energy to the tournament. The organisation has allowed the football to breathe, and that has reflected positively in the flow of matches.
Contrary to popular belief, Matchday One offered a refreshing experience in officiating. Referees largely allowed games to flow, soft calls were limited, and VAR interventions were timely and effective without hijacking matches. There was less time-wasting, fewer unnecessary stoppages, and a noticeable commitment to keeping the ball in play. For many fans, this AFCON has so far been more enjoyable precisely because the officiating has stayed in the background.
The tournament wasted no time delivering drama. Burkina Faso’s remarkable late comeback against Equatorial Guinea, scoring twice deep into stoppage time, set an early standard for unpredictability. Algeria’s commanding display, Cameroon’s disciplined defending, and Ivory Coast’s efficiency all added layers to a compelling opening round. There was also a notable historical moment as Mozambique’s Elias Domingues Pelembe became the oldest outfield player in AFCON history, featuring at the age of 42.
Matchday One has delivered excitement, structure, and clarity. AFCON 2025 already feels faster, cleaner, and more competitive. If this level is sustained, the tournament is on course to be one of the most enjoyable editions in recent history.
The question now is simple: who builds on this momentum and who gets left behind
