5 talking points from AFCON 2025

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) delivered another unforgettable chapter in African football, blending passion, drama and tactical evolution.

The competition gave action was packed from the group stage to the knockout rounds, the tournament underlined how competitive the continental game has become, with fine margins separating success from failure. However, one of the major talking points from AFCON 2025 was the importance of defensive discipline with many of those games decided by a single goal which was a good boost to the Africa football.

Here are the five talking points from AFCON 2025

(1) Defensive discipline decided key matches

AFCON 2025 once again showed the importance of strong defensive organisation. Several favourites struggled to break down compact teams, with low-scoring games and narrow margins becoming a recurring theme throughout the tournament.

(2) Traditional giants stood to the counted.

The Powerhouses in Africa football like Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria and Morocco were pushed hard by emerging sides. Teams previously considered underdogs showed tactical maturity and confidence, proving that the gap in African football continues to close.

(3) Goalkeeping performances

Goalkeepers played a decisive role at AFCON 2025, producing match-winning saves in group games and knockout fixtures. Penalty shootouts and late-game heroics underlined how crucial the position has become in modern international football.

(4) The emergence of young talents

The tournament served as a breakout platform for several young players. Teenagers and early-20s stars impressed with composure beyond their years, attracting interest from top clubs and hinting at a bright future for African football.

(5) Tactical flexibility was key to success

Coaches who adapted their systems game by game tended to progress further. AFCON 2025 highlighted the growing tactical sophistication of African teams, with formations changing fluidly between defence and attack depending on the opponent.

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