The final round of the group stages at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations provided the high-stakes drama that has come to define this tournament, as teams battled for their lives to secure a place in the knockout rounds. Tactical discipline was at its peak, but the narrative was once again rewritten by individuals who stepped up when their nations needed them most. From defensive stalwarts to clinical maestros, these top 5 players delivered the most influential displays of the final group fixtures.
5. Gaël Kakuta (DR Congo)
Gaël Kakuta rolled back the years with a masterful display of offensive variety to lead his side through the final group hurdle. He proved his composure under immense pressure by clinically converting a penalty and followed it up with a brilliantly taken goal from open play to secure a vital brace and 3-0 win over Botswana to ensure their qualification. His ability to dictate the tempo from the attacking midfield position allowed his teammates to play with total confidence in the final third. By delivering such a comprehensive performance, Kakuta ensured his nation advanced with momentum and established himself as one of the most reliable veteran playmakers in the competition.
4. Abdoulaye Seck (Senegal)
Abdoulaye Seck was the cornerstone of a flawless Senegalese performance, providing a rare and perfect balance between defensive solidity and offensive threat. Not only did he anchor a backline that secured a vital clean sheet in a 3–0 win, but he also showcased his aerial dominance by scoring a decisive goal from a set-piece. His positioning and reading of the game prevented the opposition from establishing any rhythm in the final third, effectively neutralizing their most dangerous attackers. Seck’s all-around contribution highlighted why Senegal remains one of the most balanced teams in the tournament, capable of hurting opponents from every area of the pitch.
3. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)
Azzedine Ounahi was the primary architect of Morocco’s dominance in their final group fixture, putting in a flawless performance in the heart of the midfield. He dictated the flow of the match with his exceptional passing range and press-resistance, acting as the tactical bridge between defense and attack. Ounahi’s contribution was capped by two sublime assists, each showcasing his elite vision and technical execution under pressure. His ability to run the midfield with such authority allowed the Atlas Lions to maintain constant pressure on their opponents and comfortably secure their place at the top of the group.
2. Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)
Building on his earlier cameos, Ibrahim Maza produced a breakout performance for the Fennec Foxes by contributing both a goal and an assist in a dominant victory, 3-1, over Equatorial Guinea. His tactical intelligence was on full display as he timed his runs perfectly to find the back of the net after he’d already been the provider with a pinpoint pass for Fares Chaibi’s goal. Maza’s technical flair and directness provided a fresh dimension to the Algerian attack, making it nearly impossible for the opposition to maintain their defensive structure. His rise to prominence during this matchday has proven that he is no longer just a prospect, but a vital component of Algeria’s pursuit of a third continental title.
1. Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria)
Raphael Onyedika takes the top spot for Matchday 3 after a commanding and unexpected goal-scoring display from the heart of the Nigerian midfield. Primarily known for his ball-winning abilities, he stepped up to score two vital goals that ensured the Super Eagles finished the group stages with a perfect record. His first goal was a result of a late run into the box, while his second showed the composure of a seasoned striker to sidefoot the ball into the net, proving he is a multi-dimensional threat. Onyedika’s dominance in the middle of the park, combined with his clinical edge in the final third, provided the tactical platform for Nigeria to assert their status as the team to beat in the knockout rounds.
HM : Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)
Ayoub El Kaabi delivered a clinical performance, netting twice to secure all three points for the Atlas Lions vs Zambia. The highlight of his match was a sensational overhead kick that left the goalkeeper stranded, a second such goal in this tournament. His predatory instincts and movement off the ball were a constant source of frustration for the defenders, who struggled to cope with his physical and technical versatility. By consistently finding the back of the net in high-pressure situations, El Kaabi has solidified his status as one of the most clinical and spectacular finishers on the continent.
As the group stages conclude, these five players have set a formidable benchmark for the high-pressure matches that lie ahead. Whether through the defensive leadership of Seck or the clinical braces of Onyedika and El Kaabi, these stars have carried the weight of their nations’ expectations with remarkable poise. With the knockout bracket now set, the form of these influential individuals will be the deciding factor in who eventually claims the continental crown.
