Defending champions Banyana Banyana boast three players in the Best XI from the group stage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, currently taking place in Morocco.

The team was released by CAF’s Technical Study Group (TSG) on Wednesday morning.

Banyana Banyana finished top of Group C, with defenders Bambanani Mbane and Fikile Magama, as well as midfielder Refiloe Jane, amongst the best players.

Banyana Banyana will bank on the trio to continue their fine form when they take on Senegal in their quarter-final clash scheduled for Saturday.

Southern Africa side Zambia also has three players after also qualifying for the Quarter-finals to play Nigeria on Friday.

“Setting up in a classic 4-3-3 formation, the team showcases the tournament’s standout performers from a thrilling opening round that saw 45 goals scored across 18 matches,” stated CAF’s TSG.

CAF Women’s AFCON 2024 Group Stage Best XI (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Chloé N’Gazi (Algeria)

Defenders: Ashleigh Plumptre (Nigeria), Bambanani Mbane (South Africa), Lushomo Mweemba (Zambia), Fikile Magama (South Africa)

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria), Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco), Refiloe Jane (South Africa)

Forwards: Racheal Kundananji (Zambia), Barbra Banda (Zambia), Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal)

Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana mentor Dr. Desiree Ellis was picked as the Best Coach of the Group Stage. A reigning champion with the Banyana Banyana, Dr. Ellis once again demonstrated her ability to prepare and inspire her squad for high-level competition. Unbeaten in the group phase, South Africa topped their group with seven goals scored and just one conceded. Their tactical cohesion, balance between defensive strength and attacking efficiency, and collective spirit earned Dr. Ellis high praise from the technical panel.