AFCON 2025 continues to deliver top-quality football in Morocco, with creative midfielders and wide attackers already stamping their authority on the tournament, Soccernet.ng reports.
While goals have stolen the headlines, the opening round of matches has highlighted the importance of vision, timing and intelligent decision-making in the final third, as several players have emerged as key creators for their respective countries.
With AFCON 2025 matchday one concluded, Soccernet.ng takes a look at the players currently leading the assists chart at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
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AFCON 2025: Players leading the assists chart
1. Alex Iwobi (Nigeria) – 2 assists
Alex Iwobi sits atop the assists chart after producing a masterclass in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
The Fulham midfielder operated from a deeper role but was Nigeria’s chief creator, setting up both Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman with perfectly weighted passes.
Iwobi’s vision and composure in possession ensured the Super Eagles controlled large spells of the game, and his display served as a reminder of his importance to Nigeria’s midfield setup.
2. Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) – 1 assist
Cameroon winger Bryan Mbeumo was instrumental in his side’s opening 1-0 win against Gabon, providing an assist with his blind-sided pass.
The Manchester United forward caused constant problems down the flank, stretching the opposition defence before supplying a decisive final ball to help the Indomitable Lions secure maximum points. Against Gabon, he created six chances.
3. Cheikh Sabaly (Senegal) – 1 assist
The FC Metz forward came on in the final five minutes of Senegal’s 3-0 victory against Botswana. In that time, he set up the third goal for his side.
His cut-back found Cherif Ndiaye in the six-yard box, and the Samsunspor attacker tapped home on the 90-minute mark.
4. Mohamed Hamdi (Egypt) – 1 assist
Mohamed Hamdi played his part in Egypt’s narrow 2-1 win over Zimbabwe. The left-back set-up Omar Marmoush’s equaliser in the 64th minute before Mo Salah’s 91st-minute strike secured a win for the Pharaohs.
5. Mostafa Mohamed (Egypt) – 1 assist
Known primarily for his goalscoring ability, Mostafa Mohamed showed his creative side by providing an assist for Egypt in their opening match.
The striker dropped deep to link play before his flick-on led to Mo Salah’s winner against Zimbabwe.
6. Anass Salah-Eddine (Morocco) – 1 assist
Moroccan full-back Anass Salah-Eddine impressed on home soil with a composed performance that included an assist from open play, setting up Ayoub El Kaabi’s brilliant bicycle kick goal against Comoros.
7. Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia) – 1 assist
Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri brought energy and creativity to Tunisia’s midfield. His pinpoint delivery from a corner led to Ellyes Skhiri’s opener against Uganda.
8. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal) – 1 assist
Ismaila Sarr set up Nicolas Jackson’s second goal in Senegal’s 3-0 win over Botswana. His blistering pace once again proved decisive.
9. Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) – 1 assist
Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui demonstrated his attacking quality with an assist from right-back against Comoros.
His cut-back found Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz in the box, and the attacker tapped the ball home to score the first goal at the AFCON 2025 tournament.
10. Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo) – 1 assist
Arthur Masuaku rounded off the assists list with a pinpoint delivery from the left flank for DR Congo’s Théo Bongonda against the Republic of Benin.
The experienced wing-back’s passing ability and positional awareness played a key role in his side’s positive start to the tournament.