Overview:
121 goals were scored in 52 matches. David Isabirye's team of the tournament is deployed in a 4-3-3 system (Diamond).
The 35th edition of the TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations (AFCON) successfully concluded at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat city in Morocco on Sunday, 18th January 2026.
Senegal won their second title since the 2021 heroics, overcoming hosts Morocco 1-0 during an ill-tempered-cum-explosive match where Villarreal midfielder Pape Alassane Gueye scored in the extra time.
Before the additional 30 minutes, normal time had ended and drama was witnessed when Morocco earned a penalty in the 8th minute of added time, only for Brahim Diaz to miss from 12 yards with a cheeky chip (Panenka) well saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Osoque Mendy.
After a comprehensive coverage of the championship where 121 goals were scored in 52 matches, here is my personal team of the tournament, the first eleven deployed in a 4-3-3 system (Diamond).
System of play: 4-3-3 (Diamond)
Goalkeeper: Yassine “Bono” Bounou (Morocco)
The 34-year-old Morocco goalkeeper Yassine “Bono” Bounou who features for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League commands the starting berth in between of the goalposts.
Bono commanded well from the back, featuring in all Morocco’s seven matches in the tournament.
He was quick to execute reflexes to tame crosses, shots and one-against-one incidents. He earned the man of the match accolade in the 4-2 post match penalty victory over Nigeria during the semi-finals.
Wing back right: Mohamed Hany Gamal Eldemerdash (Egypt)
Eldermerdash takes the right full back role for his energy with ability to defend and attack in equal vein.
The 29-year-old features for Egyptian Premier League club Al Ahly. He played in 6 matches and managed to make one assist.
Wing back left: Bruno Sopuruchuku Onyemaechi (Nigeria)
Bruno Sopuruchuku Onyemaechi is a contemporary modern day left full back. He executed the primary defensive role, had the confidence to venture forward and also make odd assists.
Onyemaechi, 26, features for Greece club Olympiacos. He also commanded teammates well in times of need and quick to focus (center) when the opposition attacked via the right flank.
He was a darling of diagonal pin-point passes over long ranges.
Center half: Nayef Aguerd (Morocco)
Nayef Aguerd, 29, is part of the reason the host nation was disciplined at the back. The Marseille center half boasts of good command, physical attributes, time tackles, perfect passing and game reading antics.
Center half: Calvin “Bassey” Chinedu Ughelumba (Nigeria)
Bassey won many neutral hearts at the AFCON 2025 tournament for his right attitude to play the beautiful game with passion and professionally.
Featuring at Fulham Football Club in the English Premier League, the 26 year old Bassey was solid.
He tackled well, headed away the threat, passed the ball well and commanded the rest of the team like a ship captain on water expedition.
Rarely are left footed center halves seen in modern football, Bassey is a rare species.
Holding midfielder: Idris Gana Gueye (Senegal)
Experience is key. Idris Gana Gueye proved it all at the 2025 AFCON. The 36-year-old Everton midfielder covered acres of space, passed the ball well and perfected the team leadership antics.
Gana is a team player and it proved, easily combining with the young players on the Senegalese team enroute to victory at the championship.
Attacking midfielder right: Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)
Midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was the fulcrum of play for Tunisia at the championship.
The 22-year-old Burnley midfielder loves to roll the ball. His short crispy passes and the long diagonal balls easily picked out the fellow teammates.
Mejbri showed off the leadership traits at all times, often dictating play for Tunisia.
Attacking midfielder left: Amad Diallo (Cote D’Ivoire)
Amad Diallo, 23, was the talisman for the 2023 AFCON champions Cote D’Ivoire.
The Manchester United midfielder scored three goals for Cote D’Ivoire, winning two man of the match accolades.
He was a joy to watch as an inverted winger on the right, cutting inside with his lethal left foot before he picked out teammates or he chose to shoot.
Amad offered Cote D’Ivoire the urgency upon every time of offense. He was a total thorn and nightmare to the opposition with his industrious display.
Nine: Victor James Oshimen (Nigeria)
Victor James Oshimen is an intelligent, diligent, team leader and strong forward; special attributes that the 27-year-old Nigerian has.
These are the secret weapons of Oshimen who turns out at Turkish side Galatasaray. He scored four goals as Nigeria finished third to take bronze.
Ten: Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Sadio Mane was named the tournament best player for his overall authority on the Senegal team.
From the 7 matches played, Mane scored twice and assisted thrice. He did not wear the captain’s arm until the podium moment but he was the typical team leader.
The Al Nassr attacker, 33, won over global applause for convincing his teammates to continue with play at a time that match seemed to be abandoned after Senegal conceded a penalty following a VAR review.
Mane earned his second AFCON title since 2021 and has hinted on a possible retirement from national team duty.
Free-role master: Brahim Abdelkader Diaz (Morocco)
Brahim Abdelkader Diaz completed the tournament as the top scorer with 5 goals from 7 matches.
His dribbling abilities, ball distribution (passes) and shooting stood out throughout the tournament
The Real Madrid player sadly missed a Panenka style penalty, one that would have won Morocco their second AFCON title since 1976. Nonetheless, he makes my tournament team.
Coach: Eric Chelle Sekou (Nigeria)
Assistant coach: Walid Regragui (Morocco)
Notable mentions: Stanley Nwabali (Goalkeeper, Nigeria), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), Alexander Chuka Iwobi (Nigeria), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Abdul Azizi Kayondo (Uganda), Gael Kakuta (Democratic Republic of Congo), Saimon Msuva (Tanzania), Lassana Traoe (Burkina Faso), Yan Diomande (Cote D’Ivoire), Pape Alassane Gueye (Senegal)
