AFCON 2025 is almost over. Only one game remains, as hosts Morocco prepare to take on Senegal in the final of the competition.
Today, we’ll be taking a look back at the best players in the tournament. The players in our XI feature for clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Liverpool – before we begin, can you guess who they are?
GK: Yassine Bounou
Morocco have been excellent at the back throughout the tournament – the presence of Yassine Bounou between the sticks has played a huge part in this.
Throughout the tournament, Bounou has conceded just a single goal, keeping an outstanding five clean sheets. On top of this, he also pulled off some magical penalty saves in the shoot-out against Nigeria.
RB: Krepin Diatta
Morocco weren’t the only strong defensive unit at AFCON – Senegal were also monolithic at the back, conceding two goals over the course of six games.
Krepin Diatta was a constant fixture of therir starting lineup – he has played in every single minute of the tournament for the Lions of Teranga, notching up an assist along the way.
CB: Calvin Bassey
Calvin Bassey has been off the pace for Fulham in the Premier League this season, but he has more than made up for it with his performances at AFCON.
Bassey’s physicality was perfect for such a hard-hitting tournament – he was practically unbeatable in the air throughout Nigeria’s run to the semi-finals.
CB: Ramy Bensebaini
In the earlier stages of the tournament, Algeria were lauded for their defensive solidity – perhaps the greatest contributor towards this was Ramy Bensebaini.
The 30 year old kept their backline organised admirably, even against the sternest of opposition. Unfortunately, they would be knocked out in the quarter-finals by Nigeria, but Bensebaini’s performances won’t be quickly forgotten.