After a goalfest opening week at the AFCON in Morocco, the second week has taken it to a notch higher, with some exciting results and performances from the matches. While many, just like Hugo Broos, might argue that the vibes are not there, the results and intensity in matches have been unbelievably good.
In the 12 matches of match day two, 24 goals were scored – five shy of the tally we saw on the opening match day. Generally, it has been a good tournament on the pitch.
Our football writer, Samuel Areo, who is based in Fes for the tournament, has highlighted three key takeaways from the second week in Morocco.
Lookman: The AFCON star
Lookman announced his arrival on the continental stage at AFCON 2023, playing a decisive role in Nigeria’s march to the final with three goals and a crucial assist. Since his debut last year, Ademola Lookman has kept lighting up the AFCON.
In nine AFCON appearances, Lookman has recorded eight goal involvements, scoring five goals and providing three assists. In Nigeria’s win over Tunisia, the Atalanta forward grabbed two assists, after which he scored a goal of his own.
It is safe to say that the 2024 African Player of the Year is made for this stage, and his performances could push the Super Eagles deeper in the competition in Morocco.
‘Perfect’ Algeria
Algeria remain the only side with two wins and without a goal conceded after the match day two action. The 2019 champions, having failed to progress past the group stages in the last two editions of the tournament, have returned stronger in this Maghreb tournament to seal their spot in the knock-out stages in style.
Les Fennecs, led by inspirational captain Riyad Mahrez, and backed by the huge support received here and in the crowd, by football great Zinedine Zidane – who has come to see his goalkeeper son Luca, are early contenders for the title, and it remains to be seen where they will finish as the tournament progresses.
History makers – Benin and Mozambique
Beaten in their tournament curtain-raiser by Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique claimed a historic first victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, breathing new life into their campaign after overcoming Gabon 3-2 in Agadir. Bangal’s header and Catamo’s spot-kick gave them a two-goal cushion before the break, and Diogo Calila restored a two-goal lead early in the second half. Gabon fought back through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Moucketou-Moussounda, but keeper Ernan Siluane’s eight saves sealed the Mambas’ first-ever AFCON win after 39 years.
Similarly, former Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr led Benin Republic to their first win at the AFCON. The 1-0 victory over Botswana has now put them on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stage of the tournament.
Meanwhile, the last set of group games at the AFCON, Morocco 2025, kicks off on Monday, with many teams apart from Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria still fighting for qualification and the trademark AFCON tension set to peak.
