* Features key players Egypt’s Mohamed El Shenawy, Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman
* At 36 years old, Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy has shown that age is no obstacle to excellence
* As Algeria’s captain, Riyad Mahrez delivered with masterful playmaking and leadership
* Even in the most tightly contested matches, Senegal’s Sadio Mané remained a constant threat
* Nigerian forward turned midfielder, Ademola Lookman was a constant threat with his direct running, creativity, and eye for goal
By Duncan Mlanjira
No player from the seven Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) nations has been named in the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) Morocco 2025 Group Stage Best XI that features highly of key players such Egypt’s 36-year-old goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman.
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COSAFA was represented by South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Comoros, Zimbabwe, Angola and Botswana (in their first-ever appearance). Only South Africa and Mozambique are left standing in the knockout stages of the Round of 16 — Bafana Bafana facing Cameroon on Sunday and Mozambique up against Nigeria on Monday
Zambia were in Group A alongside Comoros, hosts Morocco and Mali in Group A, South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe were all in Group B along with Egypt; Botswana in Group D with Senegal DR Congo and Benin; and Mozambique in Group F with Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon and Gabon
CAFonline highlights that the AfCON Morocco 2025 group stage has been an electrifying showcase of talent, with key players like Mohamed El Shenawy, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mané, and Amad Diallo standing out as match-winners for their respective teams.
From El Shenawy’s commanding presence in goal to Mahrez’s leadership in attack, these players have proven their worth on the continental stage.
The selected Best XI celebrates the most consistent, impactful, and influential performers of the group stage — individuals whose performances have set the tone for the knockout rounds.
Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)
At 36 years old, Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy has shown that age is no obstacle to excellence. The Pharaohs’ captain played a crucial role in guiding his team through a challenging group stage with remarkable composure and skill.
His commanding presence on the line, authority in the air, and impeccable positioning made him a pillar for Egypt, often preventing opposition from scoring in high-pressure moments.
El Shenawy’s leadership and experience were invaluable, reminding everyone that in a tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations, an experienced goalkeeper can make all the difference.
Defenders
* Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Playing on the right side of defense, Mazraoui reaffirmed his status as one of the continent’s top fullbacks. His intelligent positioning, technical brilliance, and defensive discipline made him an essential figure in Morocco’s solid backline.
But beyond defense, his ability to join the attack with pace and vision was pivotal in helping Morocco control games. Mazraoui’s tactical awareness and influence in building from the back were integral to the team’s success.
Noussair Mazraoui
* Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo)
Tuanzebe stood tall in the group stage with a blend of physicality and calmness under pressure. He proved to be one of the most reliable defenders, rarely caught out of position and dominant in aerial duels.
His ability to read the game and shut down offensive threats before they became dangerous was crucial for his team. His performance reflected both maturity and skill, earning him a spot in the Best XI.
Axel Tuanzebe
* Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso)
As the Burkinabe captain, Tapsoba was an imposing force in the centre of defense. A master of anticipation, he was excellent in one-on-one situations and crucial in building play from the back.
His composed demeanor and sharp decision-making were key to Burkina Faso’s success in tight games and his leadership at the back was exemplary — making him one of the standout defenders of the group stage.
Edmond Tapsoba
* Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi (Morocco)
On the left side, El Abdi was the embodiment of consistency. Rarely beaten by opposition wingers, his defensive reliability was matched by his ability to support offensive moves.
His tactical discipline ensured Morocco maintained balance in defense while also contributing to their fluid attack. El Abdi’s steady performances allowed Morocco to dominate possession and nullify attacking threats.
Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi
Midfielders
* Brahim Diaz (Morocco)
Brahim Diaz was one of the most exciting players of the group stage. Positioned just behind the strikers, his creativity, vision, and technical ability stood out.
His dribbling skills and clever movement constantly disrupted defensive blocks, and he was often the catalyst for Morocco’s attacking play.
Diaz’s ability to unlock defenses with his passing and his drive to make things happen made him an indispensable part of the Moroccan midfield.
Brahim Diaz
Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)
The Cameroonian midfielder was a physical and tactical revelation. His powerful runs, tireless work rate, and composure on the ball were standout qualities throughout the group stage.
Baleba played a key role in both defensive recovery and offensive transitions, providing balance to the Cameroon midfield and his ability to cover large areas of the pitch, win duels, and break up opposition attacks made him one of the most impactful players in the group stage.
Carlos Baleba
* Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
The Nigerian forward turned midfielder, Lookman was a constant threat with his direct running, creativity, and eye for goal. His versatility allowed him to play both as an attacking midfielder and winger, and his movement off the ball was a nightmare for defenders.
Lookman’s intelligence in finding pockets of space and his ability to produce key passes in critical moments made him one of the group stage’s most dangerous players.
Ademola Lookman
Forwards
* Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
As Algeria’s captain, Mahrez delivered with masterful playmaking and leadership. His vision, exquisite passing, and composure under pressure made him the central figure in Algeria’s attack.
Although more of a playmaker than a traditional winger, Mahrez’s ability to dictate the tempo and produce decisive moments ensured Algeria remained a formidable force in the tournament.
Whether it was a key pass or a perfectly executed free-kick, Mahrez’s presence was felt in every match.
Riyad Mahrez
* Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire)
Diallo was a dynamo for Côte d’Ivoire , using his explosive pace and unpredictability to create chaos in opposition defenses. His ability to take on defenders and produce moments of brilliance in the final third made him a key player for the Ivorian side.
Diallo’s flair and creativity injected energy into every attack, making him one of the standout attacking players of the group stage. His dribbling and link-up play were vital to Côte d’Ivoire’s attacking success.
Amad Diallo
* Sadio Mané (Senegal)
Even in the most tightly contested matches, Sadio Mané remained a constant threat. His pressing, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing meant that defenders always had to be alert.
Mané’s leadership on the field was clear, as he led by example, often scoring or assisting in crucial moments. His relentless work ethic and ability to make the difference in big moments were key to Senegal’s success, reaffirming why he is considered one of the best African players of his generation.
Sadio Mané
Coach
* Eric Chelle (Nigeria)
Under the guidance of Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles of Nigeria displayed tactical brilliance and a cohesive team structure as Chelle’s approach was marked by a solid defensive setup, quick transitions, and giving attacking players the freedom to express themselves.
His clear vision and consistent choices allowed Nigeria to perform at their best during the group stage, showcasing a balanced style of play.
Chelle’s ability to maximise the potential of his squad and build a collective identity was one of the highlights of the group stage.
Eric Chelle
The AfCON Morocco 2025 Group Stage Best XI of highlights the diversity and quality of African football. With experienced leaders like El Shenawy and Mahrez, combined with the youthful energy of Diallo and Baleba, these players have set the stage for a thrilling knockout phase.
Their performances not only reflect individual brilliance but also the growing strength of African football on the global stage.—Reporting by CAFonline, edited by Maravi Express
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