Pan-Africa Football’s AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament

Pan-Africa Football’s AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament

Sadio Mané celebrates his second AFCON title with Senegal. Photo: Confederation of African Football (@CAF_Online/X)

Pan-Africa Football’s AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ended with sensational drama on Sunday with Senegal’s 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco after extra-time.

Now is the time to reflect on which teams and players impressed! Here is Pan-Africa Football’s Best XI from the competition and the explanation behind each selection:

Pan Africa Football’s AFCON 2025 Best XI

 Goalkeeper: Édouard Mendy (Senegal)

The experienced shot stopper was an important leader in the Senegalese defense due to the absence of captain and central defender Kalidou Koulibaly. In the final, the Al Ahli Saudi keeper stayed calm and composed, most importantly on Brahim Díaz’s penalty kick attempt where Mendy produced a massive save to set up his team’s dramatic victory.

Left Back: El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal)

What a talent! The West Ham United flank player established a strong reputation for his attacking abilities but the AFCON showed how dominant he can be when he is focused on his defensive duties. Diouf shut down Mohamed Salah in the semifinal victory over Egypt by preventing the Liverpool legend from producing a single successful dribble or shot attempt. He then followed it up by doing the same to Brahim Díaz in the final outside of the foul that led to a penalty kick, a call that was highly controversial.

Center Back: Nayef Aguerd (Morocco)

The Olympique Marseille defender was immense for the hosts. Outside of the Atlas Lions’ draw with Mali, Aguerd was superb when combining his defensive obligations with important distribution responsibilities. His ability to advance the ball and start Moroccan attacks makes Aguerd an easy choice for the Best XI.

Center Back: Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)

Many knew that the Nigerian attack was going to produce its fair share of goals. However, Bassey rose to the occasion on the big stage again for the Super Eagles. His performance was excellent against Morocco in the semifinals, where the hosts needed a penalty shootout to advance after being unable to score on the Bassey-led Nigerian defense. This makes two AFCON tournaments now where Bassey is worthy of being considered among the best players.

Right Back: Krépin Diatta (Senegal)

Unfortunately, a muscle injury kept him out of the final. But the versatile wide player took his performances to another level this tournament, showing that he is now fully comfortable as a wide defender after being used mostly as an attacker earlier in his career. His attacking abilities and instincts added an extra dimension to the Senegalese attack but the improvement in his defending has been truly impressive.

Central Midfield: Idrissa Gana Gueye (Senegal)

It was a difficult choice between Gana Gueye and Pape Gueye, especially considering the latter scored the goal that won Senegal the title. However, veteran leader Gana Gueye is the heart of the Lions of Teranga and was the best ball-winning midfielder at the tournament. He dropped back to the defensive line to be the main distributor out of the back and his passing efficiency was exceptional in Morocco. The 36-year-old Everton player looks like he can play for his nation for another four years!

Central Midfield: Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)

The Fulham midfielder was the most dangerous passer at the tournament, accumulating key passes at an impressive rate. Nigeria ran much of their attack through Iwobi, who now fully understands when to be efficient and when to be more ambitious with his passing. After years of being a versatile player for club and country, a playmaking role in the heart of the midfield is where he belongs now.

Attacking Midfield: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

After winning the 2025 African Men’s Player of the Year, the 2025-26 season has been a difficult one for Lookman at club Atalanta. However, national team duty at the AFCON has allowed him to thrive at the tournament where he did so well during the 2023 edition. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle utilized Lookman as a central attacking midfielder and it was a brillant success. With his ability to move the ball quickly combined with Iwobi’s passing, Nigeria strikers Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams had plenty of good service.

Left Wing: Sadio Mané (Senegal)

Voted Player of the Tournament, it is well deserved for Senegal’s talisman. Mané continues to mature into a player who no longer depends on explosive pace and impressive physical attributes. Now he is an accomplished playmaker who continues to make his teammates better while inspiring them with his leadership. Like teammate and fellow veteran Idrissa Gana Gueye, the legend of Mané continues to grow and his legacy is more than secure ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Right Wing: Brahim Díaz (Morocco)

A heartbreaking end to the 2025 AFCON for the Real Madrid attacker, whose ill-advised Panenka penalty kick attempt will be what local supporters remember most rather than his goal-scoring heroics throughout the competition. While he will be remembered for one bad moment, it must not be forgotten how often he provided the decisive moments for Morocco on a dominant run to the final. Finished as the Golden Boot winner with five goals.

Striker: Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

The Galatasaray poacher’s tournament ended with him limping off in extra-time during Nigeria’s defeat to the hosts. But Osimhen remains an inspiring force in the Super Eagles squad, which is always capable of creating a goal out of nothing as long as he is on the pitch. A strong tournament ended with four goals and two assists for Osimhen, who forms Africa’s most dangerous attacking duo with Lookman.

Honorable Mention

  • Pape Gueye (Senegal)
  • Moussa Diakhaté (Senegal)
  • Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)
  • Neil El Aynaoui (Morocco)
  • Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
  • Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
  • Adam Masina (Morocco)
  • Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
  • Bright Osayi-Samuel (Nigeria)
  • Bruno Onyemaechi (Nigeria)
  • Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria)
  • Akor Adams (Nigeria)
  • Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
  • Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
  • Lassine Sinayoko (Mali)
  • Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo)

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