The Confederation of African Football (CAF) technical study group has selected the best XI of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage.
Following the conclusion of the group stage earlier this week, goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), Sadio Mané (Senegal), and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) are amongst the players that impressed in the first stage of the tournament.
As per CAF, the following 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, Mohamed El Shenawy has shown that age is no obstacle to excellence. The Egyptian captain played a crucial role in guiding his team through a challenging group stage with remarkable composure and skill.
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi (Morocco)
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco): Playing on the right side of defence, 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.
Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo): The DR Congo defender stood tall in the group stage with a blend of physicality and calmness under pressure. Tuanzebe proved to be one of the most reliable defenders, rarely caught out of position and dominant in aerial duels.
Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso): As the Burkina Faso captain, Tapsoba was an imposing force in the center of defence. A master of anticipation, he was excellent in one-on-one situations and crucial in building play from the back.
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.
Midfielders: Brahim Diaz (Morocco), Carlos Baleba (Cameroon), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
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.
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.
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.
Forwards: Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Sadio Mané (Senegal)
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.
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast): Diallo was a dynamo for Ivory Coast, 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.
Sadio Mané (Senegal): Even in the most tightly contested matches, 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.
Coach: Eric Chelle (Nigeria)
Under the guidance of Eric Chelle, the Nigeria national team displayed tactical brilliance and a cohesive team structure. 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 maximize the potential of his squad and build a collective identity was one of the highlights of the group stage.
