The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has kicked off with plenty of attacking intent, as the opening four matches have produced eight goals, averaging two per game.

Opening Results


  • Morocco 2–0 Comoros

  • Mali 1–1 Zambia

  • South Africa 2–1 Angola

  • Egypt 2–1 Zimbabwe (Mohamed Salah scoring a late winner)

Comparison With AFCON 2023


  • AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast set a record with 119 goals, the highest in tournament history.

  • That edition averaged 2.29 goals per game, a benchmark for attacking football in Africa.

  • The current rate of 2.0 goals per game in Morocco suggests the 2025 edition could again deliver a feast of goals.

What It Means


  • The early fixtures have showcased both defensive resilience and attacking flair.

  • With several traditionally high-scoring teams — including Nigeria, Algeria, and Senegal — yet to begin their campaigns, the expectation is that the goal tally will rise.

  • The blend of tactical evolution, individual brilliance, and attacking depth across squads points to another entertaining, goal-rich AFCON.

The early numbers hint at a tournament that could rival Ivory Coast 2023 for attacking spectacle, keeping fans optimistic for more drama and decisive finishes in the weeks ahead.