A Statement Opening for English Football's African Contingent
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has opened with a series of compelling performances from Premier League-based players, demonstrating why English football has become the preferred destination for African talent. From Mohamed Salah's dramatic late winner to Nicolas Jackson's clinical brace, the opening days in Morocco have showcased the Premier League's African contingent at their finest.
Mohamed Salah Ends Liverpool Controversy with Clutch Winner
Liverpool's talisman found himself at the centre of a tactical storm before departing for Morocco, having been dropped for four consecutive matches by manager Arne Slot. However, the Egyptian captain silenced the doubters with a stoppage-time winner against Zimbabwe, securing a 2-1 victory for the seven-time champions. Salah's goal came in the 91st minute, a composed left-footed effort that rescued Egypt from embarrassment against the world's 129th-ranked team.
Manchester City's Omar Marmoush had earlier equalised with a powerful strike after Prince Dube's shock opener. The Egyptian pairing demonstrated precisely why the Pharaohs remain favourites, with Marmoush's mazy run and clinical finish restoring parity before Salah delivered the decisive blow.
Alex Iwobi: The Premier League's Best Playmaker on Display
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi delivered a masterclass performance in Nigeria's 2-1 victory over Tanzania, providing both assists in what the Premier League's official social media channels described as a "match-winning display." The 28-year-old's precision passing was impeccable throughout, with his pinpoint cross headed home by Semi Ajayi for the opener before laying the ball off for Ademola Lookman's spectacular winner.
Iwobi's teammates Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze also featured as Nigeria demonstrated their title credentials. The Cottagers trio will be sorely missed during Fulham's January fixture schedule, with Marco Silva hoping their AFCON run doesn't extend too deep into the tournament.
Nicolas Jackson Announces Himself on the Continental Stage
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, scored twice as Senegal cruised to a 3-0 victory over Botswana. The 24-year-old's brace came either side of halftime, the first a clinical first-time finish from Ismail Jakobs' cross, the second a composed effort after rounding his marker from Ismaila Sarr's assist. Crystal Palace winger Sarr was instrumental throughout as the 2021 champions demonstrated their title credentials.
Everton's Iliman Ndiaye also featured prominently, creating several chances and proving a constant threat on the flank despite struggling to find the net himself.
Lyle Foster: Burnley's Striker Delivers When It Matters
After missing the previous AFCON while recovering from mental health challenges, Burnley striker Lyle Foster made a triumphant return to international football with the winning goal in South Africa's 2-1 victory over Angola. Foster's 79th-minute curler from the edge of the box was named Goal of the Day by CAF, capping a performance that earned him the Man of the Match award.
The goal came after Foster had seen an earlier effort ruled out for offside in the build-up and had blazed over from a good position minutes before. His redemption strike secured Bafana Bafana's first opening-match victory at an AFCON since 2004.
Looking Ahead
The Premier League's African contingent faces crucial second group matches, with Egypt set to face South Africa in a Group B summit clash on Boxing Day. Nigeria will meet Tunisia in Fes on December 27, while Senegal continue their campaign against Benin. The performances so far suggest English football's African stars are ready to make their mark on this tournament.
