Africa’s biggest stars delivered a festival of quality, power and personality at the AFCON 2025 (Africa Cup of Nations) as CAF unveils the competition’s Best XI.
The official Team of the Tournament reflects a competition defined by elite forwards, strong midfield generals and defenders who shaped games at both ends of the pitch.
From Nigeria’s attacking firepower to Senegal’s championship-winning core and Morocco’s dominant run to the final, the selected XI represents consistency, influence and decisive impact across every position.
According to CAF official statement;
“The CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) has unveiled the Team of the Tournament for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, featuring standout performers such as Yassine Bounou, Idrissa Gueye and Sadio Mané.”
“Tournament winners Senegal and finalists Morocco dominate the selection, with four players each named in the Best XI, as chosen by CAF’s TSG.”
“The Team of the Tournament was selected following an in-depth technical analysis conducted by the CAF TSG, which implemented a fully integrated evaluation model throughout the competition.”
Victor Osimhen Leads Nigeria’s Attacking Charge
Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen who is one of Africa’s elite forwards, was one of the tournament’s standout performers, with a dominant AFCON campaign.
The Napoli star finished the competition with:
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4 goals
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2 assists
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6 appearances
Beyond goals, Osimhen’s all-round contribution stood out.
He completed 51 passes, created eight chances and recorded 14 successful dribbles, combining physical presence with intelligent movement and creative play as Nigeria powered their way to a bronze-medal finish.
Ademola Lookman Fuels Super Eagles’ Bronze Run
Joining Osimhen in the forward line is Ademola Lookman, whose flair, energy and end product proved decisive throughout the tournament.
In six matches, Lookman delivered:
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3 goals
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4 assists
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15 chances created
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14 crosses
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3 successful dribbles
Operating from wide areas, the Nigerian winger was a constant threat, playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s attacking identity and podium finish.
Brahim Díaz Wins AFCON 2025 Golden Boot
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz finished AFCON 2025 as the Golden Boot winner, scoring five goals in seven matches as the Atlas Lions reached the final on home soil.
Díaz’s AFCON stats include;
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5 chances created
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3 successful crosses
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9 dribbles
His creativity and clinical finishing made him the heartbeat of Morocco’s attacking play throughout the tournament.
Midfield Masters: Power, Control and Leadership
Pape Gueye – Senegal
Senegal’s Pape Gueye earned his place with a remarkable all-round showing from midfield. Despite operating deeper, he scored three goals in six matches, including;
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342 touches
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223 successful passes
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18 accurate long balls
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27 duels won
Sadio Mané – AFCON 2025 Champion and Leader
AFCON winners Senegal were again inspired by Sadio Mané, whose leadership and big-game pedigree proved decisive.
Across seven matches, Mané recorded:
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2 goals
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3 assists
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19 chances created
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182 passes
His ability to combine creativity, experience and match-winning moments was central to Senegal lifting the trophy.
Idrissa Gueye – The Engine Room
Another Senegalese midfielder, Idrissa Gueye, was a model of discipline and control.
His tournament statistics were exceptional:
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1 assist
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9 chances created
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432 successful passes
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39 duels won
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44 ball recoveries
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No yellow or red cards
Gueye’s calm authority set the tempo in midfield throughout the competition.
Full-Back Excellence: Hakimi and Mazraoui
Achraf Hakimi – Morocco
Morocco captain, Achraf Hakimi delivered his trademark energy and quality from right-back in five matches:
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1 assist
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13 chances created
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190 passes completed
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19 accurate long balls
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24 duels won
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20 ball recoveries
Noussair Mazraoui – Morocco
On the left, Noussair Mazraoui impressed across seven appearances with relentless consistency:
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1 assist
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289 passes
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6 chances created
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7 dribbles
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538 touches
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63 duels won
His duel-winning ability made him one of the most effective defenders of AFCON 2025.
Rock-Solid Centre-Back Pairing
Moussa Niakhaté
In central defence, Moussa Niakhaté was a commanding presence:
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427 passes completed
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19 accurate long balls
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19 duels won
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20 ball recoveries
Calvin Bassey – Nigeria
Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey was another defensive standout, combining strength with composure in possession:
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393 passes
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27 accurate long balls
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500 touches
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9 tackles
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33 duels won
His influence in both build-up play and defensive solidity was crucial to Nigeria’s run.
Bounou: The Goalkeeper Who Defined AFCON 2025
Between the posts, Morocco’s Yassine Bounou produced a tournament-defining performance:
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10 saves
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Just 2 goals conceded
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5 clean sheets
His heroics peaked in the semi-final against Nigeria, where he saved two penalties, a result that qualified the host country for the finals.
Bounou also contributed to Morocco’s build-up play with 23 accurate long balls.
AFCON 2025 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT
Goalkeeper
Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal)
Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Midfielders
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Pape Gueye (Senegal)
Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)
Forwards
Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Sadio Mané (Senegal)
