Salah goals & Hakimi return – six things from Afcon 2025’s group stage

1. Mohamed Salah’s remarkable performance in the group stage of Afcon 2025 has been a standout feature of the tournament so far. The Egyptian striker has scored 5 goals in just 3 matches, showcasing his incredible goal-scoring ability.

2. Achraf Hakimi’s return to the field after a long injury layoff has been a major talking point in the tournament. The Moroccan full-back has been instrumental in his team’s performances, providing assists and defensive solidity.

3. The emergence of young talents like Amadou Diallo from Senegal and Fode Balde from Guinea has been a refreshing sight in the group stage. These players have shown great potential and are definitely ones to watch in the future.

4. Defending champions Algeria have had a mixed bag of results in the group stage, with a win, a draw, and a loss. Their performance has been underwhelming so far, and they will need to improve in the knockout stages.

5. The surprise package of the tournament has been Cape Verde, who have defied expectations by topping their group with impressive performances. Their attacking style of play and solid defense have caught the attention of fans and pundits alike.

6. The group stage of Afcon 2025 has provided thrilling matches, unexpected results, and standout individual performances. As the tournament progresses to the knockout stage, fans can expect more excitement and drama on the field.