AFCON 2025 continues to deliver a gripping mix of controversy, tactical brilliance, underdog stories, and individual moments of magic.
Day seven was no different, as refereeing decisions dominated headlines, giants were pushed to the limit, and emerging stars once again announced themselves on the continental stage. Here are five standout moments that defined another dramatic day at Africa’s biggest football showpiece.
Algeria managed to grab their second win of the tournament with a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso. However, there were questions on the level of officiating during the game.
In the sixth minute, VAR made the odd decision. What looked like a cynical foul when Gustavo Sangaré impeded Jaouen Hadjam was considered a potential red card offence. The referee only gave him a yellow after review. However, one might argue it was only a 50-50 challenge.
Then came another odd situation. Manchester City left back Rayan Ait-Nouri won a penalty as he took on Ismahila Ouédraogo in the box.
However, it looked soft, and multiple replays back the situation up. The center referee had blown for the penalty. It was a surprise VAR did not review the onfield decision.
Regardless, Riyad Mahrez struck the spotkick sweetly to give them the 1-0 win in the end. However, Burkina Faso will feel hard-done by.
Ivory Coast’s ability to create goalscoring chances by playing long, accurate long balls from the back after successfully evading the press is a joy to behold.
Amad Diallo netted Ivory Coast’s only goal of the game during their 1-1 draw with Cameroon, but the way he got set up was a joy.
As the Elephants sought to build play from the back, Ghislain Konan managed to evade Junior Tchamadeu before floating a left footed diagonal crossfield ball to Amad.
The Man United man then received the ball from the right flank, isolated his man one on one before unleashing a left-footed shot into the back of the net.
Although the game eventually ended 1-1, Ivory Coast have proven it is a weapon that can deliver them very good results. In the 2023 edition, it is a tactic they used severally. The used Evan Ndicka to splay 60-yard diagonals with his left foot to Nicolas Pepe, who would then create or score himself.
Cameroon managed to salvage a draw against Ivory Coast, but it was more down to a fortune of good luck. The goal they scored was aided by an unfortunate deflection by Konan, when Tchamedeau attempted a shot which clattered off the Ivorian’s achilles. It effectively forced the keeper into having to adjust his position, but it was already too late.
The Cameroonians have endured a myriad of problems off the pitch. They need as many positive results as possible. They also need to perform better if they are to stand a chance of papering over the glaring cracks.
Mozambique pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the tournament, Stunning Gabon 4-2. After going two goals up, Gabon pulled one back through Aubameyang. Mozambique would make it three, before Aubameyang scored another goal for Gabon to make it 3-2.
However, Mozambique refused to give up, and scored a fourth to give them an eventual 4-2 win. This now means Gabon remain without a point after two games, and must clinch victory under any circumstances in their third game against Ivory Coast to stand a chance of making the round of 16.
Sudan has endured a never-ending civil war that has disrupted their football calendar. Their best teams are now playing in the Rwandese top flight. Despite this challenge, they are still flying high in Africa.
Their 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea in their second group G clash of the tournament was their first win at the AFCON since 2012. That was a tournament in which they did reach the quarter finals.
They also reached the semi-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN). This shows that their talent levels are incredible. One wonders what they might be able to achieve with stability in their own homeland.
Getting a result against Algeria in their last group stage clash will mean so much for the people.
With controversy, tactical evolution, and emotional victories all colliding on Day 7, AFCON 2025 continues to underline why it remains one of football’s most compelling tournaments. As teams push for qualification and momentum swings with every matchday, the drama is only just beginning — and the stakes will only rise from here.
