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AFCON 2025 continues to showcase why it stands as one of the most enthralling tournaments in global football, according to Soccernet.ng.
Although officially titled AFCON 2025, the tournament’s schedule has been extended into early 2026 due to calendar realignments-an uncommon occurrence in the competition’s history.
Far from diminishing enthusiasm, this extension has amplified international attention, allowing the tournament to build on the compelling narratives that emerged during the 2023 edition.
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Global Stars and AFCON 2025: Mbappé and Zidane’s Presence Highlights Worldwide Interest
The tournament has attracted significant attention from football’s elite. France’s captain, Kylian Mbappé, was seen in the stands supporting Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, as the host nation competes.
Other French internationals such as Jules Koundé and Aurélien Tchouaméni have also been spotted attending matches, underscoring AFCON’s expanding global footprint.
One of the tournament’s most heartfelt moments was when French football icon Zinedine Zidane was seen proudly watching from the stands as his son, Luca Zidane, made his AFCON debut representing Algeria.
Zinedine Zidane attends Algeria vs Sudan to witness his son Luca Zidane’s first AFCON appearance pic.twitter.com/Xl7xwDJAUn
– ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) December 24, 2025
Unpredictable Drama on the Field: Uganda’s Goalkeeper Crisis and Mali’s Unusual Progression
The on-field action has been equally dramatic. In a gripping group-stage encounter against Nigeria, Uganda faced an unprecedented goalkeeper dilemma, deploying three different goalkeepers in a single match.
Starting goalkeeper Denis Onyango was sidelined by injury early on. His substitute, Jamal Salim Magoola, was then dismissed for handling the ball outside the penalty area shortly after coming on, forcing third-choice keeper Alionzi Nafian Legason to complete the game under intense pressure.
In another surprising twist, Mali advanced to the Round of 16 without securing a single victory in the group stage, a rare feat that highlights the tournament’s unpredictability.
Tributes and Inspiration: Fans and Players Making Their Mark
Among the spectators, DR Congo’s Kuka Muladinga has become a viral sensation for his solemn, statue-like stance during matches, a moving tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first prime minister in the early 1960s.
AFCON fans show unique passion
DR Congo supporter Kuka Muladinga remains motionless during games, honoring Patrice Lumumba, the nation’s inaugural Prime Minister #AFCON2025 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/q9IzxwN4Px
– DW Sports (@dw_sports) December 31, 2025
Perhaps the most remarkable comeback story is that of Burkina Faso winger Georgi Minoungou. After battling a severe eye infection in 2023 that left him nearly blind in his left eye, Minoungou has defied expectations by not only participating in his first AFCON but also scoring on his tournament debut.
AFCON 2025 has once again proven why African football continues to enchant fans worldwide, blending thrilling competition with inspiring human stories.
