Which AFCON team has the best defense in 2025?

Goals win you matches, but defence wins you championships. The countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) is firmly on, and events in Morocco in December will test that famous nugget of wisdom by legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Over the course of 2025, many teams have tightened their shapes, coaches have sharpened their systems, and goalkeepers have emerged as genuine match-winners ahead of Africa's showpiece.

The analytics and stats from January to November paint a telling picture of which nations look best equipped for the battle ahead as the AFCON 2025 matches get underway.

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AFCON stats: The defensive stalwarts of 2025

Ivory Coast – 8 games, 0 goals conceded

No team enters AFCON 2025 with better defensive form. The Elephants have not conceded a single goal in eight matches this year, an extraordinary feat that makes them the leading AFCON team defence going in. 

Under Emerse Faé, their defence has become a wall. Odilon Kossounou and Evan Ndicka lead the reaguard, while the likes of Wilfried Singo and Emmanuel Agbadou add requisite pace and aggression. 

Morocco – 8 games, 1 goal conceded

The hosts have been near-perfect throughout 2025. One goal conceded in eight matches, led by Bono’s safe hands and a disciplined unit featuring Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, and Noussair Mazraoui. 

Their tactical balance and understanding make them the most refined AFCON team defence on home soil. 

South Africa – 9 games, 2 goals conceded

Hugo Broos’ side have quietly become one of Africa’s toughest to break down. Just two goals conceded in nine games, numbers that put them among the best in AFCON stats this year. 

Captain Ronwen Williams anchors the defence, with Ngezana, Mbokazi, and Mdunyelwa ensuring compactness and calm. It is a system built on discipline, not necessarily big names.

Egypt – 9 games, 3 goals conceded

The Pharaohs have looked organised and methodical all year. With Ahmed Hegazy marshalling the line and Mohamed Hany providing width, Egypt’s AFCON team defence remains as experienced as it is effective. 

Only three goals conceded in nine outings, figures that reinforce their pedigree despite boasting of mostly home-based stars.

Nigeria – 9 games, 7 goals conceded

On paper, the Super Eagles’ stats show room for improvement, but the pattern is encouraging. 

Stanley Nwabali has started eight of Nigeria’s nine matches in 2025, keeping them steady, while Maduka Okoye featured only once, against Russia. 

With Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Frederick, Troost-Ekong, and Ola Aina forming the backbone, Nigeria’s defence has potential, if consistency and fitness hold.

Senegal – 12 games, 8 goals conceded

Once the benchmark for AFCON analytics, Senegal now look to blend experience and youth. Kalidou Koulibaly remains central, but Mikayil Faye and Ismail Jakobs are reshaping the Lions’ backline.

Eight goals in twelve matches suggest minor cracks, but Pape Thiaw’s side still carry the pedigree of serial contenders with one of the most resilient AFCON defences.