"The group stage may have lacked big surprises but was still packed with late twists, ridiculous goals and dramatic storylines. Two different coaches named Cameroon squads amid a pre-tournament power struggle; their first opponents, Gabon, were disbanded by their government after going out early (a decision quietly reversed this week). Sudan and Mozambique earned historic victories, bringing light to fans suffering through conflict."
"In the knockout stages, the tension turned up and star names stepped forward. Brahim Diaz led hosts Morocco through a major wobble against Tanzania, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman made Nigeria look like the team to beat, and Mohamed Salah helped Egypt battle past outsiders Benin and defending champions Cote d'Ivoire. Algeria's Adil Boulbina scored a screamer in the 119th minute to eliminate DR Congo then toppled over right in front of Mboladinga, who remained admirably stony-faced."
"In the semi-finals, Sadio Mane reminded us that he very much still has it, an instinctive late strike undoing an ultra-cautious Egypt and sparing us all the 30 minutes of extra time. Morocco, burdened by huge expectations on home soil, toiled against a Nigeria side whose attacking verve deserted them, in a semi-final so lacking in action, it almost added to the sense of occasion."
The tournament extended into early 2026 and overlapped heavily with busy domestic calendars. The group stage contained late twists, spectacular goals, and dramatic storylines, including dual Cameroon squad selections and Gabon's temporary disbandment by its government. Sudan and Mozambique achieved historic wins amid conflict. DR Congo fan Kuka Mboladinga became a notable presence. In knockouts, Brahim Diaz steadied Morocco, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman propelled Nigeria, and Mohamed Salah guided Egypt past tough opponents. Adil Boulbina's 119th-minute screamer eliminated DR Congo. Sadio Mane scored a late semi-final winner to beat an ultra-cautious Egypt, avoiding extra time.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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