The 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament concluded last Sunday, bringing an end to almost a month of action packed tournament in Morocco, SportPremi reports.
Senegal were crowned champions following their 1-0 win over the hosts in a drama-filled final that descended into chaos at one point, while the Super Eagles finished third for a record ninth time, pipping Egypt to the position.
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Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, who was the topic of discussion after the final with his failed panenka attempt, won the prestigious Golden Boot award with five goals, while Sadio Mane was awarded the MVP award after leading Senegal to a second title. Several other players caught the eye during the course of the tournament.
In this article, SportPremi reveals our team of the tournament for the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy (Senegal)
While Morocco’s Yassine Bounou claimed CAF goalkeeper of the tournament award, Senegal shot-stopper Edouard Mendy earns a spot in our team of the tournament after his role in their title win.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper conceded only twice in seven matches as the Lions of Teranga won their second AFCON title in Morocco.
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Nigeria), Semi Ajayi (Nigeria), Calvin Bassey (Nigeria), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Our defence is dominated by Super Eagles trio Onyemaechi, Ajayi and Bassey, who played inspiring roles as Nigeria won bronze medal at the tournament.
Onyemaechi did not start the opening win against Tanzania, but started the next six matches and was very impressive in the semifinal, keeping Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi at bay in the clash.
Ajayi, meanwhile, also started six of Nigeria’s seven matches at the tournament and scored their first goal of the tournament in the opening match against Tanzania, earning the player of the match award in that encounter.
Bassey missed the third-placed match due to suspension, but was at the heart of the Nigerian defence and helped them to a clean sheet against Morocco in the semifinal, although they later lost on penalties.
Mazraoui completes the quartet after his impressive displays on both sides of the Moroccan defence. The Manchester United defender started on the right, but was moved to the left side of the defence after Hakimi returned to the team.
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Nigeria), Brahim Diaz (Morocco), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Alex Iwobi takes up a spot in this team after his outstanding performance in the Nigerian midfield. The Fulham playmaker was at the heart of most of the Super Eagles goals with several line breaking passes to set up goalscoring chances.
Golden boot winner Diaz also takes a spot in the team after scoring five goals to help Morocco to second place, although he missed a late penalty in the final after his panenka attempt failed.
Ademola Lookman rounds up the midfield position after showing his ability to deliver on the big stage once again, contributing seven goals and assists combined at the tournament – the most of any player.
The Atalanta forward also bagged two player of the match awards and was unlucky to miss out on the player of the tournament award.
Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Sadio Mane (Senegal), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Mohamed Salah arrived in Morocco hoping for a first title with Egypt, but suffered another disappointing after a fourth-placed finish.
However, the winger netted four times and became the first Egyptian player in history to score at five editions of the African Cup of Nations.
Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen netted four times as well, and was just one behind Golden boot winner Diaz.
The Galatasaray forward had only previously scored once in AFCON history, but cemented his status as one of the most prolific forwards in the world with four strikes to lead Super Eagles to bronze medal.
Sadio Mane completes the team after his inspiring role in Senegal’s AFCON triumph.
The former Liverpool forward scored the only goal of the semifinal win and played an influential role throughout the tournament, where he also surpassed Yaya Toure to become the player with the most assists in AFCON history (9).
