The ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is beginning to take shape, with no real surprises witnessed on day three of the ongoing tournament in Morocco.

AFCON 2023 semi-finalists DR Congo overcame Benin 1-0, before a Nicolas Jackson-inspired Senegal comprehensively floored Botswana 3-0. Nigeria also beat Tanzania 2-1, but the East African nation surprised many with how they bravely took the game to the Super Eagles.

In the last game of the day, Uganda were out of sorts as Tunisia thumped them 3-0 to get their campaign off to a dream start.

Here are 5 observations we made from day two of the ongoing tournament.

Nicolas Jackson has often come under stick mostly from Chelsea supporters since his 2023 breakthrough. Despite his obvious talent, his finishing can be frustrating at times.

But in a Senegal shirt, the man has been playing like a man possessed. He has now found the back of the net four times in his last three caps. A brace against Botswana in their opening clash was not a bad way to launch their title chase.

He got on the end of a good cutback from Ishmael Jacobs for his first. He got on the end of another cutback by Ismaila Sarr before nonchalantly lobbing the keeper to find the back of the net. 

The Bayern Munich man could also have scored another goal when he got on the end of a great throughball by Iliman Ndiaye earlier on.

The brilliant start will surely give him the confidence he needs to challenge for the player of the tournament award, and potentially, the title for his country.

Heading into their opening game against Tanzania, Nigeria were heavily expected to dominate throughout the game.

Given their squad contains potent attacking options like Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, surely Tanzania could not match up?

How wrong they were. Although Nigeria dominated much of the first half, Tanzania also created a lot of chances from the break.

Victor Osimhen stretched Tanzania’s backline with his movement, but missed chances. This allowed Tanzania briefly back into the game. It had to take for a Lookman moment of brilliance to give them a 2-1 win in the end.

Nigeria have disappointed for much of the year, having missed out on a ticket to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Eric Chele’s men know nothing short of victory at this tournament will be good enough to put the smiles back on the faces of optimistic Nigerians.

Their start against Tanzania shows there is work to be done.

Speaking of Nigeria, they started the tournament following William Troost-Ekong’s shock decision to retire.

The 32-year old defender has been an instrumental figure for the Nigerians, and was even named player of the tournament at the last edition. However, his decision to retire means there is a leadership void left.

Although Wilfred Ndidi is the new captain, you could tell Nigeria missed organisation at the back. Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey are seasoned England-based defenders, but none has organisational skills.  

Against better teams, this may find them out at a time they need to do well in this tournament more than any other.

Tunisia got their AFCON 2025 campaign off to a dream start, thrashing Uganda 3-1 in Rabat. It is the first time they have started on such a positive note since the 2004 edition on home soil, a tournament they went on to win.

It also remains their first and only title in history.  And it is now also a Tunisia side that is young and energetic, no longer relying on players like Wabi Khazri and Youssef Msakni. Now, they have young players like Elias Achouri and Hannibal Mejbri, who have added a fresh dynamic to their set up.

Their dominant win could be a sign of things to come. Do not be surprised if they go far in the tournament.

DR Congo have quietly been a team that has been getting on with their business. Ever since making the semi finals of the last edition, they have continued to impress at the continental stage.

They stunned Nigeria in the CAF World Cup qualifiers Inter-Confederation qualifying playoffs, and are continuing on with that momentum.

The Super Eagles beat Benin 1-0 in their opening game of group D. The three-time champions now sit second in the group ahead of their next game with Senegal.

Do not sleep on them this tournament.