**African football has plenty of outstanding players right now, so picking the best XI is highly debatable. My selection considers current club form, international performances, quality, consistency and the way each player would work within a balanced team.**
I’ve gone for a 4-3-3, with several familiar names alongside a few players who deserve greater recognition. From Morocco’s established stars to Nigeria and Egypt’s attacking threats, this is my best XI of players from AFCON countries as of September 2026. This September selection goes beyond the tournament. Current club roles matter too.
**GK: Yassine Bounou, Al-Hilal, Morocco**
Bounou keeps the gloves after another strong international year. His penalty saves helped Morocco reach the AFCON final, while he remains Al-Hilal’s goalkeeper. His distribution suits a side building from the back.
**RB: Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco**
Hakimi is the clearest right-back choice. PSG have him in their 2026/27 squad. Pace, crossing and recovery speed give him influence.
**CB: Ousmane Diomande, Nottingham Forest, Ivory Coast**
Diomande gives the defence athleticism and strength. [Forest](https://essential.football/team/nottingham-forest/) signed him from Sporting in August on a four-year deal. His recovery pace suits a high line.
**CB: Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer Leverkusen, Burkina Faso**
Tapsoba brings composure beside Diomande. Leverkusen appointed him captain before the new campaign, and he has started regularly. His positioning makes him the organiser.
**LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri, Manchester City, Algeria**
Aït-Nouri gives the team an attacking left-back. The [Manchester City](https://essential.football/team/manchester-city/) man can carry the ball inside or attack the outside channel, creating different angles in attack.