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Senegal and Morocco Dominate the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Best XI

Introduction

The dust has settled on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, leaving fans and analysts with a wealth of tactical data and memorable performances. As the continental showpiece concluded, the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) unveiled the official Team of the Tournament. The selection highlights the dominance of the two finalists, with **Senegal** and **Morocco** securing four spots each in the elite Best XI. This comprehensive analysis explores the selection process, the standout players, and the tactical trends that defined this edition of the tournament.

Key Points

Background

The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 was a landmark event, not only for the high quality of football displayed but also for the technological advancements in match analysis. The CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) was tasked with identifying the most impactful players across the tournament. Unlike previous eras where selections might rely heavily on subjective opinion, the TSG adopted a fully integrated analysis model.

This model combined traditional on-site scouting with advanced remote monitoring. By utilizing live data platforms and dedicated video analysts reviewing multi-angle feeds, the TSG ensured that every pass, save, and tackle was scrutinized. The goal was to create a **Team of the Tournament** that reflected not just raw statistics, but tactical intelligence, consistency, and decisive influence in high-pressure matches.

Analysis: The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Best XI

The selection of the Best XI reveals a clear hierarchy in African football, with the finalists setting the standard. Below is a detailed breakdown of the selected players, their roles, and why they made the cut.

The Goalkeeper: The Wall of Morocco

**Yassine Bounou (Morocco)**
Yassine Bounou’s inclusion as the goalkeeper for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Best XI was arguably the most predictable selection. The Moroccan shot-stopper delivered a campaign defined by composure and shot-stopping excellence. Conceding only two goals in seven matches, Bounou was the backbone of the Moroccan defense. His ability to command the box and his reflexes in one-on-one situations were pivotal in Morocco’s run to the final. For teams looking to build a defensive unit, Bounou remains the gold standard for goalkeeping in Africa.

The Defensive Line: A Blend of Power and Pace

**Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)**
Operating primarily on the right flank, Achraf Hakimi reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s elite full-backs. His selection is based on his dual threat: defensive solidity and explosive attacking runs. Hakimi’s pace allowed Morocco to stretch opposition defenses, while his recovery speed was crucial in neutralizing counter-attacks. His inclusion highlights the modern requirement for full-backs to be playmakers.

**Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal)**
The Senegalese defense was a fortress, and Moussa Niakhaté was its cornerstone. A physical presence with excellent reading of the game, Niakhaté was instrumental in Senegal’s title charge. His aerial dominance and tackling precision made him a nightmare for opposing forwards. Niakhaté’s performance exemplified the grit and organization that characterized the champions.

**Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)**
Representing the third-place finishers, Calvin Bassey secured his spot as the left-sided center-back. Bassey’s versatility allows him to play as a traditional center-back or a left-back, offering tactical flexibility. His physicality, combined with surprising agility for a player of his build, allowed Nigeria to build from the back. Bassey’s inclusion underscores the importance of ball-playing defenders in modern continental tournaments.

**Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)**
Completing the defensive unit is Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui. While Hakimi operates with blistering speed, Mazraoui offers tactical intelligence and technical precision. He was a key component in Morocco’s build-up play, often drifting into central midfield to create overloads. His defensive discipline ensured that the right flank remained secure throughout the tournament.

The Midfield Engine: Experience Meets Tenacity

**Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)**
While often deployed as a winger, Ademola Lookman operates effectively in the half-spaces, making him a creative force in the midfield trio of the Best XI. His dribbling ability and vision were vital for Nigeria’s transition play. Lookman’s selection is a testament to his ability to unlock defenses in tight spaces, providing the creative spark that bridges defense and attack.

**Pape Gueye (Senegal)**
Senegal’s midfield enforcer, Pape Gueye, brings physicality and ball-winning capabilities to the team. His role was often to disrupt opposition rhythm and shield the back four. Gueye’s stamina and tackling accuracy allowed Senegal to control the tempo of games. His presence in the Best XI highlights the critical role of the “destroyer” archetype in tournament football.

**Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)**
A veteran of the game, Idrissa Gueye (often referred to as Gana) provided the experience and composure needed in the engine room. His ability to recycle possession and break up play was essential for Senegal. Being named in the Best XI at this stage of his career speaks volumes about his fitness levels and tactical understanding. He represents the perfect balance between defensive grit and midfield distribution.

The Attack: Clinical Finishers and Creative Geniuses

**Brahim Díaz (Morocco)**
Brahim Díaz was the creative heartbeat of the tournament, eventually finishing as the top goalscorer. Operating between the lines, Díaz’s vision, close control, and finishing ability made him the most dangerous attacker in the competition. His inclusion as a forward in the Best XI is a nod to his hybrid role—part playmaker, part striker. Díaz’s performances signaled the arrival of a new era of technical excellence in Moroccan football.

**Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)**
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen brings raw power and a relentless goal-scoring instinct to the Best XI. His physicality, speed, and aerial threat make him a complete striker. Osimhen’s ability to hold up play and bring teammates into the game was crucial for the Super Eagles. His selection reinforces his position as one of the premier strikers on the continent.

**Sadio Mané (Senegal)**
Capping off the Best XI is Senegal’s talisman, Sadio Mané, who was deservedly named Player of the Tournament. Mané’s influence went beyond statistics; his leadership, work rate, and decisive moments drove Senegal to glory. Whether cutting inside from the wing or leading the line, Mané’s versatility and clinical finishing were unmatched. His presence in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Best XI is a recognition of his status as a continental icon.

Practical Advice: Lessons from the Best XI

For coaches, players, and football analysts, the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Best XI offers valuable tactical insights:

1. **The Importance of Hybrid Players:** The selection of Brahim Díaz and Ademola Lookman highlights the value of players who can operate in multiple positions. Modern academies should focus on developing tactical flexibility rather than rigid specialization.
2. **Defensive Solidity Wins Trophies:** With 8 of the 11 players coming from the top three teams (Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria), the correlation between defensive organization and tournament success is clear. Investing in a strong defensive unit is as important as having a prolific striker.
3. **Experience is Invaluable:** The inclusion of veterans like Yassine Bounou and Idrissa Gueye proves that while youth is exciting, experience is critical for navigating the pressure of knockout stages.
4. **Data-Driven Selection:** The CAF TSG’s use of live data platforms and video analysis demonstrates the shift towards objective performance metrics. Aspiring professionals should understand that modern scouting relies heavily on quantifiable data alongside the eye test.

FAQ

Conclusion

The TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 Best XI is a celebration of African football excellence. The dominance of Senegal and Morocco in the selection is a testament to their superior preparation and execution throughout the tournament. While the individual brilliance of players like Sadio Mané and Brahim Díaz shone brightly, the Best XI also underscores the collective strength of the top three teams. As the continent looks forward to the next edition, this team serves as a benchmark for technical quality, tactical discipline, and competitive spirit.