CAF unveils AFCON 2025 group stage Best XI and coach

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the Best XI of the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

AFCON 2025 is being hosted by Morocco from December 21 to January 18, with the group stage delivering several individual performances across the continent.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle was named Best Coach of the Group Stage, following his team’s displays during the opening phase of the tournament.

AFCON 2025 Group Stage Best XI

Goalkeeper:

• Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)

Defenders:

• Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)

• Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo)

• Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso)

• Ali Abdi (Tunisia)

Midfielders:

• Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)

• Brahim Díaz (Morocco)

• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

Forwards:

• Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

• Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)

• Sadio Mané (Senegal)

Meanwhile, the Round of 16 matches at AFCON 2025 will kick off on Saturday, and will continue over a four-day period, as the tournament enters its decisive knockout phase.

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