CAF Unveils Official Best XI for AFCON 2025 Group Stage, Eric Chelle Named Coach

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially released its Best XI of the Group Stage at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, recognising standout performers from across the continent after an entertaining opening round of matches.

The selection reflects a blend of experience, flair, and tactical discipline, with players drawn from 11 different nations, underlining the depth and quality on display during the group phase.

In goal, Mohamed El Shenawy of Egypt was rewarded for his commanding presence and consistency between the posts, anchoring a defence that proved difficult to break down.

The backline features Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), and Ali Abdi (Tunisia), all of whom impressed with their composure, physicality, and positional awareness.

Midfield duties are handled by a dynamic trio: Carlos Baleba (Cameroon), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), and Ademola Lookman (Nigeria).

Lookman, in particular, was instrumental for the Super Eagles, contributing goals and assists as Nigeria finished the group stage with a perfect record.

In attack, CAF opted for pure quality and creativity. Brahim Díaz (Morocco), Sadio Mané (Senegal), Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire), and Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) complete a formidable forward line that lit up the group stage with goals, assists, and match-winning performances.

Capping off the honours, Nigeria’s Eric Chelle was named Coach of the Group Stage, following the Super Eagles’ flawless run of three wins from three matches, an expansive attacking approach, and effective squad rotation.

CAF AFCON 2025 Group Stage Best XI:

Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)
Defenders: Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Ali Abdi (Tunisia)
Midfielders: Baleba (Cameroon), Mazraoui (Morocco), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Forwards: Brahim Díaz (Morocco), Sadio Mané (Senegal), Amad (Côte d’Ivoire), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Coach: Eric Chelle (Nigeria)

With the knockout phase now underway, several of these stars will be eager to build on their group-stage brilliance as the race for continental glory intensifies.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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