The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2025 group stage has been a thrilling showcase of football passion, with unexpected heroes emerging and established stars shining bright. From Mohamed Salah's crucial goals to Mozambique's historic first tournament win, the competition has delivered drama and excitement at every turn.

Algeria, Nigeria, and Morocco headline the tournament's powerhouse performances, each winning all three of their group matches with remarkable composure. Riyad Mahrez has been particularly impressive, leading the goalscoring charts with three stunning strikes that underscore Algeria's championship ambitions.

In a tournament filled with compelling narratives, Mozambique's breakthrough stands out as a beacon of hope and determination. Ranked 102nd globally, they secured their first-ever Afcon finals victory by defeating Gabon, proving that passion and teamwork can overcome significant odds.

Sudan's remarkable journey adds another layer of inspiration. Despite playing their qualification matches entirely overseas due to civil war, the Falcons of Jediane have reached the knockout stages for only the second time since their 1970 championship, demonstrating extraordinary resilience.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been instrumental for Egypt, matching his best-ever tournament goal tally with two crucial strikes. His 91st-minute winner against Zimbabwe and penalty against South Africa have been pivotal in guiding the Pharaohs through to the next round.

The tournament has also seen some unexpected developments, with Tanzania becoming the first team to progress to the knockout stage with just two points - a feat unprecedented since Afcon expanded to 24 teams in 2019. Similarly, Benin ended a 15-match winless streak, securing their first regular-time victory at the tournament.

As the competition transitions to the knockout stages, all eyes are on key players like Achraf Hakimi, who is gradually returning to full fitness for Morocco. With hosts Morocco looking strong and teams like Senegal and Ivory Coast also impressing, the tournament promises even more excitement in the coming matches.