The group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations successfully came to a climax on Wednesday and we now have a confirmation of the teams that made the grade to the round of 16.
After 36 group games, the wheat has been separated from the chaff and the knockout phase which commences on Saturday will mean a new level of competition where you either progress or go back home.
In this article, Kawowo Sports’ Joel Muyita names players he believes were outstanding in the group stage games.
Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)
The only goalkeeper to win a CAF man of the match accolade at this stage. He was instrumental as the Pharaohs secured maximum points against South Africa on matchday despite playing the entire second half with a man less when Mohamed Hany was sent off.
He gots the slot in my team ahead of Edouard Mendy (Senegal) and Mali’s Djigui Diarra.
Right-back: Krepin Diatta (Senegal)
He is naturally a winger but for Senegal, he is usually deployed as a right-back or right-wing back. Diatta has played all the three games for Senegal at 2025 AFCON, registering an assist in the 3-0 win over Benin.
Diatta gets the nod ahead of Algeria’s Rafik Belghali and Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui who have equally been efficient.
Left-back: Arsene Kouassi (Burkina Faso)
One of the revelations of 2025 AFCON, Kouassi has been colossal for the Burkinabe. The 21-year old defender who features for French Ligue 1 club Lorient only earned his national team debut this year.
In Morocco, Kouassi has a goal to his name, that came in the game against Sudan.
Centre-back: Ramy Bensebaini (Algeria)
Played the opening two games for Algeria and barely put a foot wrong. Playing alongside Aissa Mandi, the partnership was outstanding in the games against Sudan and Burkina Faso.
Centre-back: Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo)
His leadership and command makes him an outstanding player. The experienced defender has been rock-solid for the Leopards and gets into my team ahead of Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey who equally has been excellent.
Defensive midfielder: Samuel Moutoussamy (DR Congo)
One of the tough positions to chose but I have settled for DR Congo’s Samuel Moutoussamy who was very effective in the first game against Benin. He equally put up a fine display in the closely contested game against Senegal. I chose him ahead of Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat.
Central Midfield: Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
Not necessarily a central midfielder, but for purposes of accomadating him into my team, Amad Diallo will be deployed here. The Manchester United player has been a key player for the defending Champions, scoring two goals so far.
Attacking Midfield: Brahim Diaz (Morocco)
Arguably, the most outstanding player at the tournament so far, beig effective in all the three group stage games.
He has scored three goals so far and also won a penalty in the opening game against Comoros but Soufiane Rahimi failed to convert it.
Diaz, gets into pockets of space to ochestrate attacks for Morocco and also has the ability to take on defenders.
Forward: Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)
El Kaabi has shown that age is just a number and his physical presence has given Morocco a good outlet. He came off the bench against Comoros to score arguably goal of the tournament.
The 32-year old striker also netted a brace against Zambia in the final group, where he scored another bicycle-kick goal.
Right winger: Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Another experienced player who has shown he still has the ability to perform at top level. Mahrez has been instrumental for Algeria, scoring three goals so far, including a brace against Sudan while the other came against Burkina Faso.
Left winger: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
He was rested for the final group game against Uganda but Ademola Lookman has been directly involved in four of Nigeria’s eight goals, scoring twice and assisting on two occassions.
Lookman bagged scored against Tanzania and Tunisia. In the latter game, he registered two asissts, setting up Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi.
Honourable Mentions
Edouardo Mendy (Senegal)
Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso)
Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Lassine Sinayoko (Mali)
Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)
