AFCON 2025 group stage best XI: Mahrez, Lookman and El Kaabi make their mark

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group campaign concluded on Wednesday, and we have selected the best XI of the group stage.

Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt): The 37-year-old goalkeeper stood out in Egypt’s 1-0 victory over South Africa, helping them qualify for the round of 16 with a game to spare.

Arsene Kouassi (Burkina Faso): The Lorient left-back has impressed for the Stallions, scoring once, creating two big chances and showing defensive stability.

Ramy Bensabaini (Algeria): No Algerian player has made more tackles and clearances per game than Bensabaini. Algeria are also yet to concede with the Borussia Dortmund defender in the starting XI.

Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso): Among centre-backs in the competition, he ranks joint-first for big chances created, second for key passes and accurate long balls per game. He has scored once.

Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco): He ranks joint-first for big chances created and second for tackles per game among right backs. Mazraoui has provided one assist.

Mamadou Sangare (Mali): The 23-year-old has averaged more tackles and successful dribbles per game than any other defensive midfielder.

Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria): The Super Eagles captain has scored once. He ranks second for tackles and third for interceptions per game.

Ibrahim Maza (Algeria): The 20-year-old midfielder has scored two goals and provided one assist. He now holds the record as the youngest player to register an assist for Algeria at AFCON.

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): Lookman is one of two players with two goals and two assists, helping the Super Eagles qualify for the round of 16 with a game to spare.

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria): The former Manchester City winger has been at his best for the Foxes, registering three goals and one assist.

Ayyoub El Kaabi (Morocco): He is the joint top-scorer with three goals and scored two brilliant overhead kicks against Zambia and Comoros.

Stats from sofascore.com & fotmob.com.