The ideal lineup for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations: 5 Arab stars at the forefront
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially announced the best XI for the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco. The list featured a notable Arab presence with five players, reflecting the strong performance of Arab teams in this edition of the continent's premier football tournament.
Moroccan dominance and a strong Arab presence
The Moroccan national team, the tournament hosts, dominated the scene with two players in the starting lineup: right-back Noussair Mazraoui and playmaker Brahim Diaz. Arab representation wasn't limited to the "Atlas Lions," however, extending to Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, Tunisian left-back Ali Abdi, and Algerian captain Riyad Mahrez, meaning Arabs comprised nearly half of the selected squad.
The African Union chose a balanced team that relies on a 4-3-3 plan, with Nigeria's coach Eric Schiele winning the title of best coach in this round, after he succeeded in leading the "Green Eagles" to deliver performances that combined strict tactical discipline with great offensive effectiveness.
Lineup details and star player brilliance
In defense, Egypt's Mohamed El Shenawy cemented his place as the best goalkeeper thanks to his crucial saves that provided the Pharaohs with a secure advantage. Noussair Mazraoui reaffirmed his status as one of the continent's best full-backs with his defensive and offensive contributions, while Tunisia's Ali Abdi delivered a consistent and disciplined performance on the left flank. The central defensive pairing consisted of Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso) and Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo).
In midfield, Moroccan star Brahim Diaz emerged as the team's mastermind, with CAF praising his ability to unlock defenses and orchestrate attacks. He was complemented by Nigerian Ademola Lookman, who impressed with his immense energy and penetrating runs from deep, and Cameroonian Carlos Baliba, who excelled at winning back possession and disrupting opposition attacks.
As for the attacking line, it was terrifying with the trio: Sadio Mane (Senegal) who combined leadership and goal-scoring decisiveness, Ivorian Amad Diallo with his superior speed, and Algerian Riyad Mahrez who added a magical touch with his insightful vision and decisive contributions in the final third of the field.
Event implications and continental context
This announcement is particularly significant given that the tournament is being held in Morocco, where Arab teams will be looking to capitalize on home advantage (for Morocco) or geographical and climatic proximity (for the rest of North Africa) to win the title. The presence of five Arab players in the ideal lineup reflects a qualitative leap in African Arab football, demonstrating its ability to match the physical strength of West and Central African teams with high technical skill and tactical prowess.
Historically, the Africa Cup of Nations has always been a stage for the emergence of Arab stars, and this selection confirms the continuation of this legacy. Furthermore, the presence of professional players in major European leagues such as Diaz, Mazraoui, and Mahrez in this squad enhances the tournament's marketing value and draws global attention to Moroccan stadiums, thus reinforcing Morocco's position as a world-class sporting destination capable of hosting major international events.
