The group stage of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco concluded on December 31, drawing the curtain on 10 days of action-packed matches and outstanding performances.
While 16 countries advanced to the next round of the tournament, eight others suffered early exits as the competition moved into its knockout phase.
Nigeria and Algeria were the only countries to complete their group stage campaigns with a 100% record, while Mali and Tanzania qualified for the round of 16 without winning a single game.
Tournament favourites Senegal, Morocco and defending champions Ivory Coast all finished top of their respective groups despite facing tricky oppositions.
- Read these:
- What happened in the first round at AFCON 2025 in Morocco
- Senegal vs Sudan Preview and Team News
Several players delivered outstanding performances throughout the group stage, playing key roles in guiding their countries into the knockout rounds with impressive displays.
In this article, SportPremi highlights the best XI players from the first round of the tournament in Morocco;
Formation: 3-4-3
Goalkeeper: Luca Zidane (Algeria)
The name Zidane instantly brings to mind the legendary French footballer Zinedine Zidane.
However, it was his son, Luca Zidane, who made headlines at the 2025 AFCON tournament, inspiring Algeria’s qualification for the knockout stages with two clean sheets in his two group-stage appearances.
Defenders: Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo), Semi Ajayi (Nigeria), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Veteran defender Chancel Mbemba helped DR Congo to second place in Group D, finishing behind Senegal as they progressed to the round of 16. The 31-year-old marshaled a well-drilled defence as they conceded a single goal across three group stage matches.
In Group C, Semi Ajayi helped Nigeria to top spot ahead of Tunisia and Tanzania. The Hull City defender scored the Super Eagles’ first goal of the tournament and was rock solid in his two appearances
Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui was one of the stars of Morocco’s team that conceded just one goal on their way to finishing top of Group A.
He also provided the assist for Brahim Diaz’s opener in their 2-0 win over Comoros in the tournament opener last month.
Midfielders: Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco), Brahim Diaz (Morocco)
In Group F, Amad Diallo’s goals gave Ivory Coast four out of their seven points as they sealed top spot. He netted the winner in their 1-0 win over Mozambique in the first match and scored their only goal in the 1-1 draw against Cameroon, earning the player of the match award in both games.
Meanwhile, Azzedine Ounahi was back to his best in the colours of Morocco inspiring them to top spot in Group A.
The midfielder was one of the stats in their historic semifinal run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and brought back that form during their group stage matches, including creating two goals in their group finale against Zambia.
Ounahi’s teammate Brahim Diaz completes the midfield quartet as he continues his impressive performances for Morocco since switching allegiances in 2024.
The Real Madrid playmaker netted three times during a remarkable group stage run, including the opening goal of the tournament against Comoros.
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), Lyle Foster (South Africa), Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman contributed two goals and two assists in just two group stage matches. The Atalanta forward netted the winner in their opening match 2-1 win over Tanzania and then delivered a worthy performance in their second, providing two and scoring one in the 3-2 win over Tunisia.
Lyle Foster scored twice during three group stage games and also provided two assists as South Africa finished second in Group B behind Egypt.
Morocco striker Ayoub El Kaabi also features in attack having scored three times, including two stunning overhead kicks, to inspire the host nation to top spot in the group.
His combination with Diaz proved lethal and was evident in their 3-0 win over Zambia in their final group match.
Riyad Mahrez completes the lineup having netted three times in two games for Algeria as they topped Group E of the tournament.
The former Manchester City winger scored twice in their 3-0 win over Sudan and netted the only goal in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in their second match, earning a deserved rest in their third group match.
Coach: Eric Chelle (Nigeria)
Nigerian head coach Eric Chelle guided his side to a flawless record during the group stages, including impressive results over Tunisia and Uganda in Group C.
Honourable mentions: Edouard Mendy (Senegal), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Lassine Sinayoko (Mali), Fares Chaibi (Algeria), Alex Iwobi (Nigeria), Sadio Mane (Senegal).
