Featuring Baleba, Mahrez, Mané, and More

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage in Morocco has been an electrifying showcase of talent, with key players like Mohamed El Shenawy, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mané, and Amad Diallo standing out as match-winners for their respective teams, writes CAFonline.

From El Shenawys commanding presence in goal to Mahrez’ leadership in attack, these players have proven their worth on the continental stage. The following Best XI celebrates the most consistent, impactful, and influential performers of the group stage – individuals whose performances have set the tone for the knockout rounds.

Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)

At 36 years old, Mohamed El Shenawy has shown that age is no obstacle to excellence. The Egyptian captain played a crucial role in guiding his team through a challenging group stage with remarkable composure and skill. His commanding presence on the line, authority in the air, and impeccable positioning made him a pillar for Egypt, often preventing opposition from scoring in high-pressure moments. El Shenawys leadership and experience were invaluable, reminding everyone that in a tournament like the Africa Cup of Nations, an experienced goalkeeper can make all the difference.

Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi (Morocco)

• Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco): Playing on the right side of defense, Mazraoui reaffirmed his status as one of the continent’s top fullbacks. His intelligent positioning, technical brilliance, and defensive discipline made him an essential figure in Morocco’s solid backline. But beyond defense, his ability to join the attack with pace and vision was pivotal in helping Morocco control games. Mazraoui’s tactical awareness and influence in building from the back were integral to the team’s success.

• Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo): The DR Congo defender stood tall in the group stage with a blend of physicality and calmness under pressure. Tuanzebe proved to be one of the most reliable defenders, rarely caught out of position and dominant in aerial duels. His ability to read the game and shut down offensive threats before they became dangerous was crucial for his team. His performance reflected both maturity and skill, earning him a spot in the Best XI.

• Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso): As the Burkina Faso captain, Tapsoba was an imposing force in the center of defense. A master of anticipation, he was excellent in one-on-one situations and crucial in building play from the back. Tapsoba’s composed demeanor and sharp decision-making were key to Burkina Faso’s success in tight games. His leadership at the back was exemplary, making him one of the standout defenders of the group stage.

• Yahia Attiat-Allah El Abdi (Morocco): On the left side, El Abdi was the embodiment of consistency. Rarely beaten by opposition wingers, his defensive reliability was matched by his ability to support offensive moves. His tactical discipline ensured Morocco maintained balance in defense while also contributing to their fluid attack. El Abdi’s steady performances allowed Morocco to dominate possession and nullify attacking threats.

Midfielders: Brahim Diaz (Morocco), Carlos Baleba (Cameroon), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

• Brahim Diaz (Morocco): Brahim Diaz was one of the most exciting players of the group stage. Positioned just behind the strikers, his creativity, vision, and technical ability stood out. His dribbling skills and clever movement constantly disrupted defensive blocks, and he was often the catalyst for Morocco’s attacking play. Diaz’s ability to unlock defenses with his passing and his drive to make things happen made him an indispensable part of the Moroccan midfield.

• Carlos Baleba (Cameroon): The Cameroonian midfielder was a physical and tactical revelation. His powerful runs, tireless work rate, and composure on the ball were standout qualities throughout the group stage. Baleba played a key role in both defensive recovery and offensive transitions, providing balance to the Cameroon midfield. His ability to cover large areas of the pitch, win duels, and break up opposition attacks made him one of the most impactful players in the group stage.

• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): The Nigerian forward turned midfielder, Lookman was a constant threat with his direct running, creativity, and eye for goal. His versatility allowed him to play both as an attacking midfielder and winger, and his movement off the ball was a nightmare for defenders. Lookman’s intelligence in finding pockets of space and his ability to produce key passes in critical moments made him one of the group stage’s most dangerous players.

Forwards: Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Sadio Mané (Senegal)

• Riyad Mahrez (Algeria): As Algeria’s captain, Mahrez delivered with masterful playmaking and leadership. His vision, exquisite passing, and composure under pressure made him the central figure in Algeria’s attack. Although more of a playmaker than a traditional winger, Mahrez’ ability to dictate the tempo and produce decisive moments ensured Algeria remained a formidable force in the tournament. Whether it was a key pass or a perfectly executed free-kick, Mahrez’ presence was felt in every match.

• Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast): Diallo was a dynamo for Ivory Coast, using his explosive pace and unpredictability to create chaos in opposition defenses. His ability to take on defenders and produce moments of brilliance in the final third made him a key player for the Ivorian side. Diallo’s flair and creativity injected energy into every attack, making him one of the standout attacking players of the group stage. His dribbling and link-up play were vital to Ivory Coast’s attacking success.

• Sadio Mané (Senegal): Even in the most tightly contested matches, Sadio Mané remained a constant threat. His pressing, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing meant that defenders always had to be alert. Mané’s leadership on the field was clear, as he led by example, often scoring or assisting in crucial moments. His relentless work ethic and ability to make the difference in big moments were key to Senegal’s success, reaffirming why he is considered one of the best African players of his generation.

Coach: Eric Chelle (Nigeria)

Under the guidance of Eric Chelle, the Nigeria national team displayed tactical brilliance and a cohesive team structure. Chelle’s approach was marked by a solid defensive setup, quick transitions, and giving attacking players the freedom to express themselves. His clear vision and consistent choices allowed Nigeria to perform at their best during the group stage, showcasing a balanced style of play. Chelle’s ability to maximize the potential of his squad and build a collective identity was one of the highlights of the group stage.

The Best XI of AFCON 2025’s group stage highlights the diversity and quality of African football. With experienced leaders like El Shenawy and Mahrez, combined with the youthful energy of Diallo and Baleba, these players have set the stage for a thrilling knockout phase. Their performances not only reflect individual brilliance but also the growing strength of African football on the global stage.

Group-stage statistics reveal phenomenal strike rate

The numbers from the group stage of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco underline a tournament driven by attacking ambition, disciplined control and moments of individual excellence, reports CAFonline.

Across 36 matches, a total of 87 goals were scored, producing an average of 2.42 goals per game, a figure that reflects the positive intent shown by teams from the opening whistle to the final group fixtures on Wednesday night.

At the head of the scoring charts, Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco), Brahim Díaz (Morocco) and Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) finished level as the competition’s leading marksmen after the group phase, each with three goals.

Their goals were not merely statistical footnotes. El Kaabi’s clinical finishing powered Morocco’s smooth passage into the knockout rounds, Díaz provided creativity and precision from deeper positions, while Mahrez’ composure and leadership were central to Algeria’s perfect group-stage record.

Nigeria set attacking standard

Beyond individual scorers, Nigeria emerged as the most potent attacking side of the group stage.

The Super Eagles finished with eight goals, the highest tally in the competition, from 21 shots and 10 on target, while also recording the highest average possession rate at 66%.

Those numbers illustrate a side that combined volume with efficiency, dominating territory and converting pressure into goals.

Nigeria’s attacking output stood in contrast to the tournament’s struggles at the other end of the scale, where Botswana recorded the weakest defensive figures, conceding seven goals, managing just one goal scored, and averaging 38% possession.

Discipline and control

The group stage was not without its edge. A total of 126 yellow cards and six red cards were shown, underlining the physical intensity of the competition as qualification places tightened.

Red cards were spread across several teams, reflecting the fine margins involved when matches swung late and pressure mounted.

Despite the physical demands, many teams managed discipline alongside control, particularly those that advanced with possession-based approaches.

Assists, penalties and game management

The assist charts highlighted teams capable of unlocking defences through movement and combination play, reinforcing the importance of collective attacking patterns rather than reliance on individual brilliance alone.

From the penalty statistics, Tunisia led the way with two spot-kicks awarded, while Algeria, DR Congo, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan and Tanzania each earned one.

These moments proved decisive in tight group contests, where a single decision often shaped qualification outcomes.

Possession trends across contenders

Beyond Nigeria’s dominance, Morocco and South Africa both averaged 62% possession, while Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire followed closely at 60%, highlighting a clear trend among advancing teams: control of the ball as a platform for success.

These figures underline a broader tactical evolution at AFCON 2025, where patient build-up and territorial authority increasingly complemented traditional counter-attacking strengths.

What the numbers suggest next

As the tournament moves into the knockout phase, the statistics provide a clear narrative. Goals have flowed, attacking teams have been rewarded, and efficiency in both boxes has separated contenders from those heading home.

With El Kaabi, Díaz and Mahrez setting the early scoring pace and Nigeria establishing themselves as the group stage’s most dangerous attacking force, the data points toward a knockout stage where margins will be even finer — and where those who balance creativity, discipline and control are most likely to thrive.

The group stage may be over, but the numbers suggest the best is still to come.

 At TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025

As both side progress to Round of 16

• Tunisia qualify as Tanzania keep knockout hopes alive

• DR Congo face Botswana, Benin meet Senegal

• All the action from the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025

Senegal 3-0 Benin

Senegal underlined their TotalEnergies CAF AFCON title credentials with a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin in their final Group D encounter, in an entertaining contest played in Tangiers on Tuesday evening.

The former African champions made a purposeful start and were rewarded in the 38th minute, when Abdoulaye Seckrose highest to power home a header from Krépin Diatta’s well-delivered set piece, giving Senegal a deserved lead at the interval.

Benin showed greater urgency after the restart, testing Édouard Mendy through efforts from Aiyegun Tosin and Junior Olaïtan, but Senegal remained well organised at the back and clinical in their attacking play.

Senegal doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute, with star forward Sadio Mané turning provider, slipping a neat pass into the area for Habib Diallo, who made no mistake with a composed left-footed finish from close range.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 71st minute when captain Kalidou Koulibaly was shown a red card following a VAR review, forcing Senegal to see out the contest with ten men for the final quarter of an hour.

Benin pushed forward in search of a response and forced Mendy into a series of saves, but their hopes were extinguished deep into stoppage time.

In the 97th minute, substitute Cherif Ndiaye calmly converted from the penalty spot after Ibrahim Mbaye was brought down in the area, sealing a comprehensive scoreline.

The result sees Senegal finish top of Group D, while Benin, despite the defeat, progress to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Group D concludes with Senegal at the top, followed by DR Congo who cruised past Botswana in a simultaneous match along with Benin as one of the best third place finishers.

Reactions

MOM Abdoulaye Seck

“I am delighted to have won the award but for me it was a collective team effort that led to this. We knew from the start that the match was not going to be easy because Benin came out to fight. But the effort of everyone ensured that we secured this victory despite playing with ten men later on in the game.”

Benin coach Gernot Rohr:

 “This was a very difficult match against a highly experienced team like Senegal. Even though they were down to ten men it was difficult to break through their defence because they were compact. We also wanted to avoid a situation where we could get some cards that would have ruled out some of our players in the knock out stage and this made us a bit cautious. These are some of the mistakes we will correct before we play in the knockout stage and we will fight to go as far as possible in the competition.”

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw:

“The players deserve all the praise for their performance in this difficult match that we played with ten men for some parts of the game. We faced a very determined Benin team but we managed to achieve our main objective of finishing top of the group. Our next objective is to correct the mistakes we made in our group stage match before we go into the Round of 16 because on that stage there will be no rooms for errors which will be published. We will use the next few days to address these problems.”

DR Congo 3-0 Botswana

Gael Kakuta delivered a masterclass performance, scoring twice and providing an assist as DR Congo secured second place in Group D of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025 with a commanding 3–0 victory over Botswana at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

The result confirms a mouth-watering Round of 16 showdown for Les Leopards against Algeria, who finished top of Group E.

Kakuta was at the heart of everything good for DR Congo. His audacious back heel assist released Nathaniel Mbuku to break the deadlock, before the experienced play maker calmly converted a penalty and later completed his brace to cap a dominant display.

Mbuku opened the scoring after 31 minutes, finishing off a flowing team move with a stretched effort inside the area after Kakuta’s clever back heel had split the Botswana defense.

The goal was a deserved reward for DR Congo’s positive start, having pressed high and attacked with intent from the opening exchanges.

Charles Pickel twice threatened from range, his first curling attempt drifting narrowly wide before his second sailed over the bar. Fiston Mayele also went close, flashing a header wide at the near post from a left-wing delivery, as the Leopards continued to apply pressure.

Their dominance was further rewarded just before the interval. A VAR review confirmed a handball by Thabo Leinanyane as he attempted to block a cross from Meschack Elia, and Kakuta stepped up to dispatch the resulting penalty with authority.

DR Congo comfortably went into the break with a deserved two-goal advantage.

After the restart, the Congolese side showed no signs of easing off. On the hour mark, Kakuta struck again to make it 3–0, controlling Theo Bongonda’s cross inside the box before calmly picking his spot to complete his brace.

Mayele thought he had added a fourth minutes later, but celebrations were cut short following another VAR intervention. The forward was adjudged to have handled the ball as he attempted to head home from close range.

Botswana, already eliminated after defeats in their opening two matches, struggled to mount any meaningful response. DR Congo, composed and disciplined, managed the closing stages with maturity to close out a comprehensive and well-executed victory.

REACTIONS

Gael Kakuta, man of the match:
“All glory be to God. I wasn’t supposed to be in the starting 11, and here I am being named Man of the Match. I would like to highlight our collective strength. Today, we had many changes, but we stayed the course.”

Morena Ramoreboli, Botswana head coach:
“We are leaving the competition, but I really liked my players’ attitude today; they gave everything right until the end, repelling the Congolese attacks late on. They did not make it easy for the opponents and caused them problems.”

Morena Ramoreboli – Botswana’s Head Coach

“We are leaving the competition. I really liked the attitude of my players today; they gave their all until the end, countering the Congolese attacks at the finish. They didn’t let themselves be pushed around and caused problems for the opponent.”

Tanzania 1-1 Tunisia

Goalscorers : F. Salum 47′ / I.Gharbi 43′

At the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Tanzania and Tunisia played to a 1–1 draw at the end of a largely subdued contest, Tanzania coming from a goal down to equalize in a result that caried significant implications for the Group standings.

Tunisia enjoyed early control of possession but struggled to raise the tempo. After a series of attacks and threat at goal from Ismael Gharbi, including a cracking left foot curler that struck the post, the Carthage Eagles were eventually rewarded in the 42nd minute.

Hazem Mastouri was fouled in the box by Bakari Mwamnyeto and following a lengthy VAR review, Tunisia was awarded a penalty. Gharbi stepped up to convert, giving Tunisia a deserved lead.

The North Africans went into the break 1–0 ahead after a first half that was low on rhythm but comfortably managed.

After the restart, Tunisia opted to protect their advantage rather than push on. That cautious approach gradually invited Tanzania back into the game, with the Taifa Stars growing in confidence and intent.

The ambitious Tanzanians finally found their moment in the 54th minute. Feisal Salum curled a fine effort from the edge of the area, the bounce catching goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen off guard as the ball nestled into the net.

The closing stages lacked intensity, as both sides made multiple substitutions and appeared content with the outcome. Tanzania, aware that the point could place them among the best third-placed teams, managed the clock intelligently.

The 1–1 draw officially secured Tunisia’s qualification to the Round of 16 on second place in the group, while Tanzania preserved a strong chance of progression as one of the best four third placed ranked teams.

Post-match reactions

Sami Trabelsi – Tunisia Coach : “The most important thing was to secure qualification. We have not done well in this competition in recent years and that is why qualification is so important. We may not have played the best way possible, but we are very happy to have qualified. We will be playing against stronger opposition in our upcoming games and will really need to play better because the level of competition will be even higher and requires us to improve”

Miguel Gamondi – Tanzania Coach  : “I didn’t have enough time to prepare the team, but we worked together with the management and federation and feel very proud. Not just for myself but for the country. I wanted to change this mentality of underdogs. To qualify is a great learning for Tanzania who must be proud. I hope this will be a reminder to these players and the next generation of players on the potential of Tanzanian football”

Uganda 1-3 Nigeria

Goalscorers : P.Onuachu 28e, R. Onyedika 62e, 67e / R.Mato 75e

Nigeria confirmed their place at the top of Group C with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Uganda in their final group match played on Tuesday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès, officially ending Uganda’s campaign in the competition.

The Super Eagles entered the contest following two victories over Tanzania and Tunisia, while Uganda had an open chance but needed maximum points.

It was the 2023 edition runners-up, Nigeria who took the lead in the 28th minute when Paul Onuachu finished from close range, steering the ball into the bottom left corner after a precise assist from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The goal followed sustained Nigerian pressure and came shortly after Uganda goalkeeper Denis Onyango had produced a fine save to deny the same striker.

Uganda made multiple changes at the start of the second half, but their task became more difficult in the 56th minute when Salim Magoola was shown a red card for handball. Nigeria capitalised on their numerical advantage soon after.

In the 62nd minute, Raphael Onyedika doubled Nigeria’s lead with a composed right-footed finish from the right side of the box, assisted by Samuel Chukwueze. Just five minutes later, Onyedika struck again, this time finishing from the centre of the area to make it 3-0, once more following a Chukwueze assist.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Uganda continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 75th minute when Rogers Mato pulled one back, slotting home from the centre of the box after being played through by Allan Okello.

Nigeria responded by managing the closing stages professionally, making several substitutions to see out the match.

The result sees the Super Eagles finishing top of the group with three wins in as many games, while the Uganda Cranes see the campaign come to an end.

Post-match reactions 

Raphael Onyedika – TotalEnergies Man of the Match : “Thank you everyone . I feel very happy and I can’t really explain how I feel in this moment. These are moments I’ve been working towards all my life, and I’m happy that things are starting to come under control. It’s the same as for any other player—when you’re not playing, you have to stay focused, keep working hard and wait for your opportunity. It’s about being ready when that opportunity comes, performing whenever the coach calls on you, because in the end it’s the coach who decides who plays. It feels good, but it’s also tough because of the standards and demands we set in training and in games. Eric Chelle expects a lot from the players and we push everyone. It’s amazing.”

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Group A

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Group A

Mali and Comoros will close out their Group A campaigns at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 when they meet at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca on 29 December. Kick-off is at 20h00 local time (19h00 GMT), reports CAFonline.

After two matches at the tournament, Comoros remain winless with one draw and one defeat, while Mali are unbeaten, having recorded one win and one draw.

The teams have only previously met in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Mali won both meetings between the sides in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, recording 3–0 victories in each encounter.

Both matches were played in Berkane, Morocco. In the first meeting on 20 March 2025, Dorgeles Nene scored once and Kamory Doumbia netted a brace as Mali secured a 3–0 win.

The return fixture on 4 September 2025 again ended 3–0 in Mali’s favour, with Nene and Doumbia once more on the scoresheet. Lassana Coulibaly scored Mali’s other goal.

Neither team progressed to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ghana advancing from Qualifying Group I.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS

OVERALL
Comoros: P2 W0 D0 L2 GF0 GA6 GD-6
Mali: P2 W2 D0 L0 GF6 GA0 GD+6

Comoros – Key Statistics

• Drew their last match 0–0 against Zambia.
• The draw against Zambia saw them keep their first AFCON clean sheet in their fifth match at the finals.
• Are now three matches without a win at AFCON, their longest winless run at the finals.
• Their only previous third group match came in 2021, when they recorded their only AFCON victory, a 3–2 win over Ghana that saw them progress to the round of 16.
• In that third group match in 2021, they took a fourth-minute lead through El Fardou Ben Nabouhane, before Ahmed Mogni scored a brace in the 62nd minute and the match-winner in the 85th minute against Ghana.
• This is the first time Comoros have avoided defeat in their opening two matches at AFCON; in 2021 they lost their first two games.
• For a second finals in a row, they have failed to score in their opening two matches. In 2021 they lost 1–0 and 2–0 against Gabon and Morocco before defeating Ghana.
• Comoros have failed to score in 67% of their AFCON matches, failing to find the net in four of their six games.
• They attempted 10 shots against Zambia, with only one on target.
• Myziane Maolida registered Comoros’ only shot on target against Zambia.
• Zaydou Youssouf attempted 69 passes against Zambia, the highest total by a Comorian player across either of their two matches at AFCON 2025.
• Youssouf also had three shots against Zambia, the most by any Comoros player in the match.
• The game against Zambia marked the first time in six AFCON matches that Comoros did not face a shot on target.

Mali – Key Statistics

• Drew their last match 1–1 against Morocco.
• Have drawn 14 of their 27 AFCON matches since the 2013 edition (W8 L5), the second-highest total behind DR Congo.
• The match against Morocco marked the third successive AFCON tournament in which Mali have featured in at least one game where they both scored and conceded.
• Mali are the only team to have both scored and conceded a penalty in the same AFCON match on multiple occasions since 2019, also doing so against Mauritania in 2019 and Gambia in 2021.
• They have not lost any of the three matches in which they have both scored and conceded a penalty since 2019 (D2 W1).
• Mali are now 12 AFCON group matches unbeaten (W5 D7).
• Their last group-stage defeat came in their second match of the 2017 tournament against Ghana.
• Mali have failed to score in just one of their last seven AFCON matches, a 0–0 draw against Namibia in their final group game in 2023.
• Their record in final group matches reads P13 W5 D6 L2.
• They have only lost their final group match twice: 1–0 against DR Congo in 1994 and 3–0 against Côte d’Ivoire in 2008.
• Mali have not lost their final group match in their last eight AFCON participations (W4 D4).
• Their last defeat in a final group match came in 2008 against Côte d’Ivoire.
• They have won at least one match in each of their last three AFCON appearances, last failing to record a win in 2017 (D2 L1).
• Mali drew all three of their group matches in 2015 and were eliminated from Group D by the drawing of lots, finishing level on three points with Guinea on all tie-breaking criteria. Guinea progressed alongside Côte d’Ivoire.
• Should they progress, Mali would reach the knockout stages for a fourth successive AFCON finals.
• Since the introduction of the round of 16 in 2019, Mali have reached that phase in all three editions.
• They were last eliminated at the group stage in 2017.
• Progression would see Mali advance beyond the group stage for the 10th time overall, following appearances in 1972, 1994, 2002, 2004, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
• It would be the second time Mali have reached the knockout stages in four successive AFCON participations, having also done so between 1974, 1994, 2002 and 2004.
• Mali failed to progress from the group stage in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2015 and 2017.
• They had just 38% possession in their draw against Morocco.
• Goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made four saves against Morocco, facing five shots and conceding once.
• Mali have conceded a goal in each of their last four AFCON matches; their last clean sheet was a 0–0 draw against Namibia in their final group match of 2023.
• Scorer of Mali’s goal against Morocco, Lassine Sinayoko, has now scored five goals in eight AFCON appearances; only Seydou Keita and Frédéric Kanouté (seven each) have scored more for Mali.
• All five of Sinayoko’s AFCON goals have come in matches Mali did not lose (W2 D3).
• For a second consecutive AFCON, Sinayoko has scored in Mali’s opening two matches.
• Another goal would see him become the first Malian player since Ibrahima Koné in 2021 to score in Mali’s first three matches at an AFCON.
• Mali managed just one shot on target against Morocco, which was Sinayoko’s penalty that brought them level.