AFCON 2025: Lookman, Osimhen and Man United winger lead stars in Best XI for Round 2

Round 2 of the AFCON 2025 group stage delivered drama, late goals, individual brilliance and statement performances from some of the continent’s biggest names.

Nigeria once again dominated headlines thanks to a breathtaking attacking display, while surprise packages like Mozambique and Benin Republic continued to punch above their weight.

From veteran goalkeepers rolling back the years to emerging stars announcing themselves on the biggest stage, the Best XI of Round 2 captured the full spectrum of AFCON magic.

At 37 years old, Mohamed El Shenawy reminded everyone why experience still matters at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Egyptian captain was monumental in the Pharaohs’ gritty 1-0 victory over South Africa, producing a goalkeeping masterclass that defined the match.

Facing a South African side that generated 1.38 expected goals and constantly tested Egypt’s resolve, El Shenawy stood tall with six saves, four of which came from inside the penalty area under intense pressure.

Yoan Roche delivered one of the most important performances of Benin Republic’s AFCON campaign so far, scoring the decisive goal in their 1-0 win over Botswana.

Beyond the goal, Roche was immense defensively, combining leadership with discipline at the back.

He created two chances going forward while also posting impressive defensive numbers: seven recoveries, three clearances, two interceptions and dominance in aerial duels, winning four out of five. Roche’s all-round display gave Benin belief and kept their last-16 hopes firmly alive.

In Tanzania’s hard-fought 1-1 draw with Uganda, centre-back Ibrahim Hamad was nothing short of outstanding.

The Young Africans defender produced a defensive clinic, recording 11 defensive actions and winning every single duel he contested.

Hamad went six-for-six in both ground and aerial duels, made five clearances and ensured Uganda found no joy down his channel. His composure, timing and physical presence were central to Tanzania earning a valuable point.

While Riyad Mahrez grabbed the spotlight with his match-winning penalty against Burkina Faso, Ramy Bensabaini quietly delivered a colossal defensive performance.

The Algerian defender was the backbone of the Foxes’ clean sheet, racking up 15 defensive contributions.

With five tackles, eight clearances and perfect success in aerial duels, Bensabaini ensured Burkina Faso’s attackers were completely neutralised. His defensive authority was crucial to Algeria grinding out three vital points.

Diogo Calila enjoyed a dream outing as Mozambique stunned Gabon 3-2. Playing from full-back, Calila combined attacking menace with defensive responsibility, scoring what turned out to be the winning goal.

He created three chances for teammates, constantly overlapped down the right flank and still managed seven defensive actions. His energy and balance embodied Mozambique’s fearless approach in one of the shocks of Round 2.

Wilfred Ndidi produced one of his most complete AFCON performances in Nigeria’s thrilling 3-2 win over Tunisia.

He scored Nigeria’s second goal with a towering header from a corner and followed it up with a nostalgic celebration reminiscent of Nwankwo Kanu.

Beyond the goal, Ndidi dominated midfield battles, completing 50 of 53 passes and registering 12 defensive contributions. His ball-winning, positional discipline and leadership gave Nigeria the platform to attack freely.

Once again, Sadio Mane proved to be Senegal’s talisman when it mattered most. The Al Nassr forward scored the equaliser against DR Congo, dragging the Teranga Lions back into contention.

It was Mane’s first goal of AFCON 2025, and his influence went beyond the scoreline as he drove Senegal forward with urgency and belief during a tense encounter.

Amad Diallo continued his excellent form, scoring his second goal of the tournament with a stunning left-footed curler against Cameroon.

The Manchester United winger was Ivory Coast’s most dangerous attacker, attempting five shots and creating four chances in a lively display. His confidence, creativity and fearless dribbling made him a constant threat throughout the 1-1 draw.

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman was undoubtedly the standout player of Round 2 of the 2025 AFCON.

The Atalanta forward delivered a breathtaking performance against Tunisia, scoring the winner and assisting goals for Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Osimhen.

His movement, decision-making and relentless attacking intent overwhelmed the Tunisian defence. Remarkably, Lookman has already matched his goals and assists tally from AFCON 2023 after just two games in Morocco.

Geny Catamo was the heartbeat of Mozambique’s historic victory over Gabon that could now see them reach the AFCON Round of 16 for the first time.

The wing wizard created the first goal and calmly converted a penalty for the second, leading his country to their first-ever AFCON win after 15 attempts.

Victor Osimhen’s Round 2 performance felt like a moment of personal redemption. After enduring five consecutive disallowed goals across the last two AFCON tournaments, the Nigerian striker finally found the net legally against Tunisia.

Beyond the goal, Osimhen terrorised defenders with relentless pressing, pace and physicality, constantly pressing the backline into hurried clearances.

His unselfish cut-back for Ademola Lookman’s winner capped a complete centre-forward display that underlined his importance to Nigeria’s title ambitions.