The quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco delivered intensity, quality, and decisive moments as Africa’s traditional heavyweights justified their status. Played between January 9 and 10, the four matches produced 10 goals and two clean sheets, with no major upsets but plenty of tactical nuance and individual brilliance.
Senegal ground out a hard-fought 1–0 win over Mali, hosts Morocco eased past Cameroon 2–0, Nigeria dispatched Algeria 2–0 with authority, while Egypt edged Ivory Coast 3–2 in the most dramatic tie of the round. With the semi-finals now set Senegal vs Egypt and Morocco vs Nigeria attention turns to the standout performers who defined the quarter-finals.
Based on CAF Man of the Match awards, WhoScored and SofaScore ratings, and decisive contributions, here is the Sport Flames AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Best XI, set up in a 4-1-3-2 formation.
GOALKEEPR
Édouard Mendy (Senegal) – Rating: 8.1
Mendy was the foundation of Senegal’s narrow victory over Mali. His positioning, shot-stopping, and calm under pressure preserved a vital clean sheet in a tense, physical contest.
DEFENCE
Right-Back: Bright Osayi-Samuel (Nigeria) – Rating: 7.8
Energetic and disciplined, Osayi-Samuel combined defensive solidity with attacking support in Nigeria’s shutout of Algeria. His work rate on the flank was crucial to maintaining balance.
Centre-Back: Calvin Bassey (Nigeria) – Rating: 7.9
A dominant presence at the back, Bassey won key aerial duels and made timely blocks as Nigeria neutralised Algeria’s attacking threats.
Centre-Back: Nayef Aguerd (Morocco) – Rating: 8.0
Aguerd marshalled Morocco’s defence with authority against Cameroon, combining leadership with composure in possession to ensure a comfortable clean sheet.
Left-Back: Bruno Onyemaechi (Nigeria) – Rating: 7.7
Solid defensively and adventurous going forward, Onyemaechi’s positioning and stamina helped Nigeria control the left side against a dangerous Algerian attack. He helped secure Nigeria’s clean sheet and delivered an “impeccable” cross for Osimhen’s opener.
MIDFIELD
Defensive Midfielder: Pape Gueye (Senegal) – Rating: 8.2
Operating as the single pivot, Gueye dictated tempo, broke up play, and provided the platform for Senegal’s disciplined victory over Mali.
Right Midfielder: Omar Marmoush (Egypt) – Rating: 8.6
Marmoush’s early goal set the tone for Egypt’s thrilling win over Ivory Coast. His pace and directness consistently troubled defenders.
Attacking Midfielder: Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – Rating: 8.7
Marmoush’s early goal set the tone for Egypt’s thrilling win over Ivory Coast. His pace and directness consistently troubled defenders.
Left Midfielder: Alex Iwobi (Nigeria) – Rating: 8.5
Iwobi was instrumental in Nigeria’s victory over Algeria, dictating tempo, creating chances, and playing a decisive role in the build-up to goals.
ATTACK
Forward: Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Rating: 9.0
The standout performer of the round. Osimhen’s powerful header broke Algeria’s resistance, and his physical dominance and movement led Nigeria’s attack with authority.
Forward: Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Rating: 8.3
Salah delivered when it mattered most, scoring the decisive goal in Egypt’s 3–2 win over Ivory Coast and leading by example in a high-pressure contest.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
While the Best XI spotlights the elite, these players were close contenders with their impactful performances:
- Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): Rating: 8.4 – Provided flair and threats in the win over Algeria.
- Yves Bissouma (Mali): Rating: 7.9 – Battled valiantly in the 0-1 loss to Senegal before his red card.
- Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal): Rating: 8.0 – Scored the winner against Mali.
- Ismael Saibari (Morocco): Rating: 8.2 – Added a goal in the win over Cameroon.
- Djigui Diarra (Mali): Rating: 7.8 – Made key saves despite the narrow defeat.
- Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon): Rating: 7.6 – Showed glimpses despite the loss.
- Rami Rabia (Egypt): Rating: 7.5 – Scored in the thriller against Ivory Coast.
- Akor Adams (Nigeria): Rating: 7.8 – Scored the second goal against Algeria.
- Guéla Doué (Ivory Coast): Rating: 7.7 – Pulled one back despite the defeat.
- Emam Ashour (Egypt): Rating: 8.0 – Provided two assists in the win over Ivory Coast.
What’s Next
With the semi-finals looming, AFCON 2025 is reaching its decisive phase. Senegal face Egypt in a clash of continental titans, while hosts Morocco prepare for a heavyweight showdown against an in-form Nigeria.
With quality across every position and momentum building, the question remains: will the hosts complete the fairytale, or will Africa crown a new or familiar champion? The stage is set for fireworks.
