* Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi; Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman & Victor Osimhen; Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah
* Their presence alone elevates the spectacle, but their influence on the pitch has been even more decisive
* Between them, they have driven goals, assists, leadership and momentum, shaping matches and carrying expectations for their nations
Maravi Express
The Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) Morocco 2025 narrows to four contenders and in it are five former African Player of the Year award winners, who are set to take centre stage in the semifinals.
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They are Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi (2025); Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman (2024) & Victor Osimhen (2023); Senegal’s Sadio Mané (2019 & 2022) and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah (2017 & 2018) — whose presence alone elevates the spectacle, but their influence on the pitch has been even more decisive.
Between them, they have driven goals, assists, leadership and momentum, shaping matches and carrying expectations for their nations. From explosive forwards to commanding leaders and a dynamic defender, these stars have left an unmistakable imprint on the competition so far.
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As Senegal face Egypt (18h00) and Morocco host Nigeria (21h00), the AfCON Morocco 2025 is set for semi-finals defined as much by individual brilliance as collective ambition and with five African Player of the Year winners shaping the narrative, the tournament heads into its semifinals as a showcase of elite talent and continental excellence.
Their collective impact has not only driven their teams forward but has also raised the competitive and global profile of Africa’s flagship tournament.
Achraf Hakimi
The AfCON story for this recently crowned African Player of the Year (2025) began with concern after an early injury, but the Moroccan captain has returned to make his mark at precisely the right time.
His recovery has been a timely boost for the hosts and he has provided one assist from right-back, while anchoring a defence that has recorded multiple clean sheets.
Morocco’s semi-final ambitions are fuelled by Hakimi’s energy, leadership and ability to influence games from deep positions.
Ademola Lookman
Lookman, the 2024 African Player of the Year has been Nigeria’s creative engine at AfCON Morocco 2025, who has combined end product with imagination, contributing three goals and four assists in a tournament-defining run.
Operating across the frontline, Lookman’s direct running and sharp decision-making have unlocked organised defences and given Nigeria variety in attack.
His consistency has ensured that the Super Eagles are not reliant on a single source of inspiration, making them one of the most balanced attacking sides left in the competition.
Victor Osimhen
Nigeria’s charge to the semi-finals has been powered by the relentless presence of Victor Osimhen. The 2023 African Player of the Year has delivered when it mattered most, scoring four goals and providing two assists, placing him among the tournament’s leading scorers.
His pace, physicality and movement have stretched defences throughout the competition, while his knockout-stage contributions have underlined his reputation as a big-game player.
Osimhen’s influence goes beyond numbers, setting the tone for Nigeria’s aggressive, front-foot approach as they chase a fourth continental title.
Sadio Mané
Senegal’s hopes rest heavily on the experience and calm authority of Sadio Mané. The two-time African Player of the Year has contributed one goal and three assists, but his influence has extended far beyond goal involvements.
Mané’s work rate, positional intelligence and ability to draw defenders have created space for teammates to flourish.
As Senegal pursue another continental title, his presence has been vital in blending youth with experience at the sharp end of the tournament.
Mohamed Salah
Egypt’s talisman, who won the African Footballer of the Year award in 2017 and 2018, has once again risen to the occasion on the continental stage. Mohamed Salah has registered four goals and one assist, playing a central role in the Pharaohs’ dramatic journey to the semi-finals.
His composure under pressure, particularly in high-stakes moments, has been critical as Egypt navigated tight knockout matches.
Beyond the statistics, Salah’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding a disciplined and resilient side that now stands two games away from an eighth AfCON crown.—Reporting by CAFonline; edited by Maravi Express