Bafana Bafana left out of AFCON 2025 Team of the Tournament

The CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) has unveiled the Team of the Tournament for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, with continental heavyweights dominating the selection and no representation from Bafana Bafana.

Tournament winners Senegal and hosts Morocco lead the way, each contributing four players to the Best XI, named following a detailed technical evaluation by CAF’s TSG. The selection was informed by a comprehensive analysis process combining live data platforms, multi‑angle video feeds, on‑site technical reports and post‑match performance metrics to ensure objective individual assessment.

Morocco’s campaign is reflected by the inclusion of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who conceded just two goals in seven matches, alongside Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and tournament top scorer Brahim Díaz. Champions Senegal are represented by Moussa Niakhaté, Pape Gueye, Idrissa Gueye and Player of the Tournament Sadio Mané, whose consistent influence proved decisive in the knockout stages.

Nigeria produce stars in AFCON XI

Victor Osimhen and Victor Lookman Super Eagles

Nigeria, who finished third, also feature prominently with three players selected, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, underlining their strong showing against elite opposition.

South Africa’s absence from the Team of the Tournament comes despite a competitive AFCON campaign under head coach Hugo Broos, with Bafana Bafana advancing from the group stage and remaining tactically disciplined throughout the competition. However, their reliance on structure and collective organisation over individual star power may have worked against them in a selection process that prioritised decisive, game‑changing contributions.

Broos has repeatedly stressed that for South African players to earn consistent continental recognition, greater exposure to Europe’s elite environments is essential.

Broos makes his case

“When you look at the Team of the Tournament, you see one thing in common: players competing at a very high level every week in Europe,” said Broos. “That experience matters when big games are decided on small margins.”

The Belgian coach believes that exporting players should no longer be treated as an exception but as a strategic necessity for the national team’s growth.

“For South African football to grow, our best players must test themselves in Europe. That is where you learn speed, intensity and decision‑making at the highest level,” he added.
“If our players stay too comfortable at home, we will struggle to close the gap with the top nations in Africa.”

While several Bafana Bafana players delivered solid and consistent performances across AFCON 2025, none produced the defining moments or statistical output associated with the tournament’s standout individuals. According to Broos, this gap reflects exposure rather than potential.

“We have talent in South Africa, but talent alone is not enough. When our players move to Europe, they don’t only improve themselves, they raise the level of the national team,” he said. “

The omission from the Best XI serves as both a reality check and a roadmap, reinforcing Broos’ long‑held view that sustained success at AFCON level will depend on how many South African players can adapt to the demands of high‑pressure European competition.

AFCON Team of the tournament

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒. 🇸🇳🏆#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/6nTRDNmKDs
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026