AFCON 2025 Best XI unveiled by CAF as Senegal and Morocco dominate the Team of the Tournament in Morocco
The Confederation of African Football, led by its Technical Study Group, has released the official AFCON 2025 Best XI following Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory over Morocco in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on January 18.
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CAF said the Team of the Tournament was selected after a comprehensive technical review that assessed player consistency, match impact, and positional excellence across the competition.
The selection reflects Senegal’s authority at the tournament, with four players included, as well as strong representation from runners-up Morocco and third-placed Nigeria.
According to CAF, the evaluation was conducted by the CAF Technical Study Group, which used a fully integrated model combining live performance data, multi-angle video analysis, and on-site assessments throughout the tournament.
Morocco’s Yassine Bounou was named goalkeeper after conceding just two goals in seven matches.
He is joined by teammates Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, and Brahim Díaz, who finished the tournament as the leading scorer.
Senegal’s presence is led by forward Sadio Mané, widely regarded as the Player of the Tournament for his decisive influence.
He is joined by defender Moussa Niakhaté and midfielders Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye.
Nigeria also featured prominently, with three players making the Best XI. Defender Calvin Bassey, winger Ademola Lookman, and striker Victor Osimhen were recognised for their commanding performances during the Super Eagles’ run to third place.
CAF said the selection process aimed to deliver an objective and transparent assessment of performance across all positions, ensuring that only the most consistent and impactful players were honoured.
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The release of the AFCON 2025 Best XI caps a tournament that highlighted Africa’s growing depth of elite football talent and reinforced Senegal’s status as the continent’s dominant force.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
