AFCON 2025: Super Eagles, Senegal stars shine as Salah misses out on tournament’s Best XI

AFCON 2025 ended with Senegal lifting the trophy after shattering Morocco’s home-soil dream with a dramatic extra-time victory.

Nigeria, meanwhile, bounced back from semifinal heartbreak to defeat Egypt in the third-place playoff and secure a record ninth bronze medal.

The tournament produced standout performances across all positions, particularly from Senegalese and Nigerian stars. while Mohamed Salah narrowly missed out despite Egypt’s deep run.

With that said, Pulse Sports selects the best XI from the competition.

While Yassine Bounou walked away with the official Golden Glove, Edouard Mendy was arguably the most influential goalkeeper of AFCON 2025. The Senegal international kept five clean sheets, conceding only twice throughout the entire tournament.

His save percentage of 87.5% was the best among all goalkeepers, while he also prevented a tournament-high 3.1 goals. Mendy’s defining moment came in the final, when he produced a crucial late penalty save from Brahim Diaz to force extra time, a moment that ultimately swung the trophy Senegal’s way.

Despite missing the final due to a last-minute injury, Krepin Diatta had already done more than enough to cement his place in the tournament’s Best XI. The versatile wing-back played every minute leading up to the final and was a key outlet on Senegal’s right flank.

Diatta created 10 chances and supplied one assist, while also remaining defensively disciplined. His energy, intelligence in build-up play, and ability to stretch defences were vital to Senegal’s title-winning campaign.

Nayef Aguerd was the commanding presence at the heart of Morocco’s defence throughout AFCON 2025. Playing every minute of the tournament, he helped the Atlas Lions keep five clean sheets and remarkably avoid conceding an open-play goal during normal time.

Aguerd’s semifinal display against Nigeria stood out, as he completely nullified Victor Osimhen and limited the Super Eagles to almost nothing in attack. Calm, authoritative, and dominant in duels, Aguerd was the backbone of Morocco’s historic run to the final.

Calvin Bassey emerged as Nigeria’s defensive leader during the knockout stages, producing some of the finest performances of his international career. The Super Eagles did not concede a single goal in open play during the knockout rounds, with Bassey at the centre of that resilience.

Against Morocco in the semifinal, he led all players in touches and passes, showcasing his composure, ball-carrying ability, and passing range. Bassey’s blend of physicality and technical quality made him indispensable to Nigeria’s bronze success.

Mazraoui’s inclusion in the Best XI was almost inevitable after another outstanding AFCON campaign. Comfortable on both the right and left sides of defence, he played every match for Morocco and consistently delivered at both ends of the pitch.

Mazraoui combined well with Morocco’s attackers, pushed his side forward from deep, and still fulfilled his defensive duties with authority. His assist for Morocco’s first goal of the tournament underlined his attacking value, while his positional awareness ensured balance throughout the competition.

Despite a missed Panenka in the final, Brahim Diaz enjoyed a historic AFCON tournament. The Real Madrid star finished as the Golden Boot winner with five goals, becoming the first Moroccan player ever to score in five consecutive AFCON matches.

Diaz repeatedly provided the breakthrough in tight games, carrying Morocco offensively with his movement, composure, and finishing. Although he narrowly missed out on the MVP award, his record-breaking campaign ensured his place among the tournament’s elite performers.

Alex Iwobi was Nigeria’s creative engine, dictating play with intelligence and precision throughout AFCON 2025. Renowned for his line-breaking passes, Iwobi led Nigeria’s pre-assist charts and consistently unlocked defences, especially during the knockout rounds.

He featured in every meaningful game for the Super Eagles and was instrumental in their deep run. As he climbed the list of Nigeria’s most-capped AFCON players, Iwobi’s performances earned comparisons to legends like Zinedine Zidane and his uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha.

When Senegal needed inspiration, Pape Gueye delivered time and again. The Villarreal midfielder scored crucial goals during difficult moments, including two stunning strikes after Senegal conceded first against Sudan in the Round of 16.

Gueye then saved his best moment for the final, firing home the only goal against Morocco with a powerful drive after a surging run. Named Man of the Match twice, including in the final, Gueye epitomised Senegal’s resilience and clutch mentality.

AFCON 2025 belonged to Sadio Mane, who was deservedly named the tournament’s MVP. Despite advancing in years, Mane remained Senegal’s talisman, contributing two goals and three assists.

His leadership, work rate, and decisive moments were pivotal, particularly in the semifinal win over Egypt and the tense final against Morocco. Mane’s tournament saw him become the player with the most goal contributions at AFCON since 2006, further cementing his legendary status in African football history.

After a disappointing showing at AFCON 2023, Victor Osimhen returned with a point to prove and delivered emphatically. The Galatasaray striker scored four goals, making him the highest-scoring centre-forward of the tournament.

Osimhen also added two assists and captained Nigeria twice, leading from the front despite moments of controversy. His physical presence, movement, and relentless intensity were central to Nigeria’s attacking threat and their eventual bronze-medal finish.

Ademola Lookman was Nigeria’s most productive attacker at AFCON 2025, finishing the tournament with seven goal contributions. His three goals and four assists made him a constant menace to opposing defences and a perfect partner for Osimhen in attack.

Lookman’s flair, creativity, and composure stood out throughout the competition. He crowned his tournament by calmly converting the decisive penalty against Egypt to secure Nigeria’s record ninth bronze medal.