Senegal and Morocco Dominate AFCON 2025 Best XI

Player of the Tournament, Sadio Mane, has been named in the Best XI. Photo: Supplied

The CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) has unveiled the Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), featuring standout performers such as the best player, Sadio Mané, Yassine Bounou and Idrissa Gueye.

The tournament winners, Senegal and finalists Morocco, dominate the selection, with four players each named in the Best XI, as chosen by CAF’s TSG.

“The Team of the Tournament was selected following an in-depth technical analysis conducted by the CAF TSG, which implemented a fully integrated evaluation model throughout the competition,” said CAF.

“This process combined remote and on-site assessments, supported by live data platforms, multi-angle video feeds and dedicated video analysts, ensuring a comprehensive and objective review of performances across the tournament.”

Morocco’s presence is led by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who delivered an outstanding campaign, conceding just two goals in seven matches. He is joined by teammates Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Brahim Díaz, who finished the tournament as the leading goalscorer, with five goals.

Champions Senegal, who secured their second continental title, are represented by defender Moussa Niakhaté, midfielders Pape Gueye and Idrissa Gueye, and forward Sadio Mané, who was named Player of the Tournament following a series of decisive performances.

Nigeria, who finished third, also feature prominently with three players selected: defender Calvin Bassey, winger Ademola Lookman and striker Victor Osimhen, all of whom played key roles in the Super Eagles’ strong showing.