AFCON 2025: Lookman in, Osimhen, Amad not good enough for Group Stage Best XI

The AFCON 2025 group stage delivered drama, standout individual displays and a few headline omissions, none bigger than Victor Osimhen missing out on the tournament’s Best XI.

While goals and star power were spread across the competition, consistency, impact and match-winning contributions ultimately shaped the final selection.

Ademola Lookman’s electric form ensured Nigeria still had a central figure in the XI, even as others stole the spotlight across Africa.

Mohamed El Shenawy arguably produced the finest goalkeeping display of the entire group stage, anchoring Egypt’s progression with authority and composure.

The veteran shot-stopper conceded just one goal across three matches and consistently came up big in key moments, most notably in Egypt’s narrow win over South Africa. Statistically, El Shenawy prevented 1.3 expected goals during the group phase, the second-best figure at the tournament, underlining just how decisive his interventions were.

Beyond the numbers, his command of the penalty area and ability to organise a disciplined Egyptian defence played a major role in securing clean sheets and controlling tight games.

Kreppin Diatta was one of Senegal’s most complete performers during the group stage, excelling at right-back against both Botswana and Benin Republic.

He combined attacking thrust with defensive discipline, providing an assist in the final group game while rarely being exposed at the back.

Diatta’s balance between overlapping runs and positional awareness made him a constant outlet for the Teranga Lions, and his consistency across all three matches places him firmly among the standout defenders of AFCON 2025 so far.

Ramy Bensebaini delivered a commanding group-stage campaign for Algeria, playing a key role in consecutive clean sheets against Sudan and Burkina Faso.

Against the latter, he recorded 15 defensive actions, while his passing dominance versus Sudan allowed Algeria to dictate tempo from deep areas.

Perhaps most impressively, Bensebaini has yet to lose an aerial duel at AFCON 2025, reinforcing his importance in both defensive solidity and build-up play as the Foxes chase another deep run.

Nouassir Mazraoui has been Morocco’s creative engine from deep positions, blending defensive output with intelligent progression of the ball.

The Manchester United full-back assisted Morocco’s opening goal of the tournament and has also registered the most tackles of any Moroccan player so far.

He was also crucial in securing clean sheets against Zambia and Comoros, highlighting his ability to impact games at both ends of the pitch while fitting seamlessly into Morocco’s possession-based structure.

Geny Catamo was the heartbeat of Mozambique’s unlikely journey into the Round of 16, producing decisive moments despite limited overall possession in several matches.

He starred in Mozambique’s historic first-ever AFCON win with a goal and an assist against Gabon and remained a standout even in defeat.

Catamo also scored the opener against Cameroon and finished the group stage with three goal contributions in three games, making him one of the competition’s most influential midfielders, especially relative to team strength.

Brahim Diaz was the only player to score in all three group-stage matches, underlining his consistency and importance to Morocco’s attacking ambitions.

The Real Madrid playmaker opened the scoring in two of those games, setting the tone early and allowing the Atlas Lions to control proceedings.

With Morocco pushing for their first AFCON title since 1976, Diaz’s sharp movement, composure in front of goal and growing confidence have placed him firmly in the conversation for Player of the Tournament honours.

Ibrahim Maza has announced himself as one of the revelations of AFCON 2025, showcasing maturity beyond his years in Algeria’s midfield.

With two goals and three assists in three matches, he has been central to Algeria’s attacking output and is gradually assuming greater responsibility as Riyad Mahrez ages.

Maza has also created the most chances at the tournament, tied with Bryan Mbeumo, underlining his dual threat as both creator and finisher.

Ademola Lookman has been nothing short of sensational, emerging as arguably the best player of the AFCON 2025 group stage.

No player has been involved in more goals, with Lookman already matching his total goal contributions from the previous tournament in just two games.

His performances against Tanzania and Tunisia were decisive, particularly the latter, where a goal and two assists earned him the official man-of-the-match award and cemented his place in the Best XI.

Lyle Foster powered South Africa into the knockout stages with a series of match-winning contributions. Tied with Lookman on four goal involvements, the Burnley striker scored and assisted against Angola before repeating the feat versus Zimbabwe.

His ability to step up in decisive moments has transformed South Africa’s attacking threat and could see them surpass their third-place finish from the 2023 tournament.

Ayoub El Kaabi has brought flair and efficiency to Morocco’s frontline, lighting up the group stages with two trademark bicycle-kick goals.

Despite not starting the tournament as first-choice striker, he seized his opportunity, finishing the group phase as joint-top scorer with three goals.

His brace against Zambia, in a match he started, may have settled Morocco’s attacking hierarchy as the hosts pursue a historic home triumph.

At 34, Riyad Mahrez continues to defy expectations, producing decisive moments when Algeria needed them most. The Al Ahli forward scored three goals in two appearances, including a brace against Sudan and a pressure-laden penalty versus Burkina Faso.

Rested for the final group match, Mahrez’s influence had already been felt, proving that even as new stars emerge, Algeria’s talisman remains a game-changer on the biggest stage.