AFCON 2025: Lookman, Osimhen lead stars as Adams, Diaz miss out on Best XI for Round of 16

The AFCON 2025 Round of 16 delivered excitement, individual brilliance, and decisive moments under pressure, with many players arguably deserving of a spot in the Best XI.

While Nigeria’s Akor Adams and Morocco’s Brahim Diaz produced telling contributions, fierce competition and fine margins saw both narrowly miss out.

Instead, the spotlight fell on other players who also defined knockout football through match-altering interventions, composure in decisive moments and sustained influence across ninety minutes and beyond.

From penalty shootout heroics to midfield orchestration and ruthless finishing, Pulse Sports’ Best XI captured the essence of AFCON’s first elimination round.

Djigui Diarra produced one of the defining goalkeeping displays of the tournament, dragging Mali into the quarter-finals through nerve and sharp reflexes.

The Young Africans goalkeeper stood tall during the 1–1 draw with Tunisia, making three important saves to keep Mali alive during sustained pressure.

His real impact came during the penalty shootout, where he denied Tunisia twice, decisively swinging momentum and sealing qualification. Diarra’s reading of body shape, quick reactions and calm presence under extreme pressure turned the contest in Mali’s favour and firmly justified his place in the Round of 16 Best XI.

Junior Tchamadeu was instrumental in Cameroon’s 2–1 victory over South Africa, delivering a performance that blended attacking thrust with tactical intelligence.

Operating from wing-back, the Stoke City defender consistently pushed high, forcing South Africa’s wide players into deeper roles.

He capped his display with the opening goal, arriving decisively in the box to reward his team’s early dominance. Tchamadeu’s willingness to attack space, combined with disciplined recovery runs, gave Cameroon control of the flanks and a platform to dictate the contest.

Yasser Ibrahim was colossal at both ends of the pitch during Egypt’s extra-time victory over Benin Republic.

The 32-year-old centre-back rose highest in the 97th minute to head home a crucial corner, effectively breaking Benin’s resistance and tilting the match decisively.

At the other end, Ibrahim recorded a staggering 23 defensive actions, including seven tackles and 12 clearances, repeatedly extinguishing danger.

Achraf Hakimi’s return to the starting line-up transformed Morocco’s attacking dynamics against Tanzania.

Making his first start of the tournament after injury, the CAF African Player of the Year relentlessly stretched the opposition, combining pace with intelligent movement.

Hakimi created five chances, constantly probing down the right before supplying the decisive assist for Brahim Diaz’s winner.

Alex Iwobi delivered a masterclass in midfield control during Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 win over Mozambique.

Although he did not register a goal or assist, his influence was unmistakable, completing a match-high 76 passes and dictating rhythm throughout.

Iwobi’s line-breaking distribution played a role in three of Nigeria’s goals, unlocking Mozambique’s defensive shape before the final action. His spatial awareness and composure ensured Nigeria maintained dominance from start to finish.

Pape Gueye emerged as Senegal’s unlikely match-winner, inspiring a stunning comeback victory over Sudan.

After Senegal conceded first, Gueye struck twice, unleashing two superb efforts from the edge of the box to swing the contest.

His goals restored control and belief, setting the Teranga Lions on course for a 3–1 win. Gueye’s ability to deliver decisive moments from midfield added a different dimension to Senegal’s already frightening attacking options.

Marwan Ateya played a pivotal dual role in Egypt’s win over Benin Republic, combining defensive diligence with attacking contribution.

He assisted Yasser Ibrahim’s opening goal and later scored the decisive strike in extra time to secure progression.

Beyond goals, Ateya posted a strong defensive output, including five interceptions and 11 recoveries, ensuring Egypt controlled central areas.

Ademola Lookman continued his remarkable tournament with another dominant performance against Mozambique.

In Nigeria’s 4–0 win, he was involved in all four goals, scoring once and assisting twice, with a third assist narrowly denied by a deflection.

Lookman now leads the tournament with seven goal contributions, and his movement between lines and ability to attack space have made him the most influential attacker at AFCON 2025 so far.

Amad Diallo continued his vital role in Ivory Coast’s title defence with another man-of-the-match performance in the Elephants’ 3-0 win over Burkina Faso.

Against Burkina Faso, Amad scored the opener and assisted Yan Diomande’s goal, driving his side to a commanding 3–0 win.

Named Man of the Match for the third time in four appearances, Diallo combined precision finishing with creativity to seal another crucial win.

Victor Osimhen finally hit full stride at AFCON 2025, delivering a powerful showing in the Round of 16 against Mozambique.

The Galatasaray forward scored twice to take his tally to three goals in four matches, relentlessly unsettling defenders with pace and physicality.

Despite his frustration threatening to distract from his output, Osimhen’s performance was emphatic. His goals propelled Nigeria forward and edged him closer to Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing Super Eagles scoring record.

Senegal’s indefatigable leader, Sadio Mane, was once again at the heart of another domineering performance from the Teranga Lions.

Against Sudan, he created five chances, the highest in the match, and provided two assists during the 3–1 victory.

Mane’s ability to drift into pockets of space and draw defenders out of position continually destabilised Sudan’s shape. His creative influence ensured Senegal advanced with the authority of genuine title contenders.