The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its official Team of the Tournament for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
themomentng reports that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ended on Sunday night with Senegal beating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the final, a result that sealed a second continental crown for the Teranga Lions.
Unsurprisingly, Senegal dominated the Best XI. Nigeria also earned significant recognition, with three Super Eagles players rewarded for their influence during a run that ended with a third-place finish.
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline Nigeria’s inclusions. Osimhen scored four goals and added two assists, repeatedly dragging defences out of shape with his power and movement.
Lookman, meanwhile, combined invention with the end product, finishing with three goals and four assists. Bruno Onyemaechi completes Nigeria’s representation at left-back.
Still, the selection has prompted debate at home, particularly over the absence of Calvin Bassey. The defender’s commanding performances in the knockout rounds, including the semi-final against Morocco, had many tipping him for a place.
At the back, CAF’s choices leaned heavily towards the finalists. Senegal and Morocco account for most of the defensive slots, while the midfield also reflects Senegal’s grip on matches throughout the tournament.
Between the posts, Édouard Mendy takes his place after keeping five clean sheets and posting the highest save percentage among goalkeepers who played at least three matches.
Mendy is joined by Senegal teammates Krépin Diatta, Mamadou Sangare and Idrissa Gueye, all of whom were central to the champions’ balance. Sadio Mané, named Player of the Tournament, completes the Senegalese contingent after leading by example in attack and work rate.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Rami Rabia also feature in the Best XI, while Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui is included despite the hosts falling at the final hurdle. Morocco did not leave empty-handed, though, as Brahim Díaz claimed the Golden Boot, Yassine Bounou was named Best Goalkeeper, and the Atlas Lions received the Fair Play Award.
CAF Team of the Tournament For AFCON 2025:
Goalkeeper
Édouard Mendy
Defenders
Noussair Mazraoui
Rami Rabia
Bruno Onyemaechi
Krépin Diatta
Midfielders
Mamadou Sangare
Idrissa Gueye
Forwards:
Mohamed Salah
Ademola Lookman
Sadio Mané
Victor Osimhen
