AFCON 2025: Group Stage Best XI Revealed as Knockouts Loom

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage in Morocco has delivered high-octane football, breathtaking skill, and defining individual performances.

Elite stars such as Mohamed El Shenawy, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mané, and Amad Diallo have all risen to the occasion, inspiring their nations and shaping the narrative ahead of the knockout rounds.

To recognize the most consistent, influential, and game-changing performers of the opening phase, the AFCON 2025 Best XI highlights the players who have left an indelible mark on the tournament so far.

Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)

At 36, Egypt’s captain has proven that class endures. El Shenawy marshalled his defense with poise, dominated aerial balls, and delivered decisive saves in clutch moments. His leadership, positioning, and composure were central to Egypt’s progress, reinforcing the value of experience in a competition of this magnitude.

Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)

The right-back stood out for his technical excellence, defensive discipline, and intelligent game-building. Beyond shutting down threats, his forward bursts, vision, and role in Morocco’s possession play made him vital at both ends of the pitch.

Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo)

Tuanzebe combined strength with calm assurance, excelling in aerial duels and defensive awareness. Rarely caught off guard, he neutralized attacks before they escalated, offering reliability and maturity to DR Congo’s backline.

Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso)

Burkina Faso’s captain was a defensive colossus. Sharp in anticipation, composed in one-on-ones, and progressive in possession, Tapsoba led with authority. His decision-making and ability to launch play from deep were key to his side’s resilience.

Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi (Morocco)

El Abdi embodied consistency on the left flank. His defensive stability, tactical discipline, and support in attack allowed Morocco to control games while limiting opposition advances with ease.

Brahim Diaz (Morocco)

Diaz lit up the group stage with creativity, slick dribbling, and precise passing. Operating behind the strikers, he dismantled defensive structures with movement and invention, often serving as the engine of Morocco’s attacking flow.

Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)

Baleba brought power, balance, and endurance to Cameroon’s midfield. His ability to cover ground, break up play, win duels, and drive transitions made him one of the most impactful midfielders of the group phase.

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

The versatile Nigerian was a menace between the lines. Whether drifting inside, driving forward, or exploiting wide spaces, Lookman delivered key passes, created chances, and unsettled defenders with his movement and unpredictability.

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Algeria’s captain orchestrated attacks with elegance and control. His playmaking, composure, and ability to influence tempo kept Algeria competitive. From defense-splitting passes to expertly taken set-pieces, Mahrez’s leadership was unmistakable.

Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)

Diallo injected spark into every Ivorian attack. With explosive pace, flair, and bold take-ons, he tormented defenders and generated key moments in the final third. His link-up play and creativity were crucial to Ivory Coast’s forward momentum.

Sadio Mané (Senegal)

Mané once again demonstrated his big-stage pedigree.

His relentless pressing, sharp movement, goals, and assists defined Senegal’s group campaign.

Leading by example, he delivered when it mattered most, reaffirming his standing among Africa’s all-time greats.

Eric Chelle (Nigeria)

Nigeria thrived under Chelle’s tactical clarity. His structured defensive approach, emphasis on rapid transitions, and trust in attacking freedom produced a cohesive, balanced side.

Chelle maximized his squad’s potential and built a clear team identity, making him one of the standout managers of the group stage.

AFCON 2025’s Best XI reflects the depth and evolution of African football—where seasoned leadership meets rising youth influence.

With stalwarts like El Shenawy and Mahrez and emerging stars such as Diallo and Baleba, the tournament is primed for an exhilarating knockout phase and another celebration of Africa’s growing global football force.