The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its Best XI for the CAF Champions League group stage, with three Algerian players earning spots ahead of the highly anticipated quarter-final draw.
MC Alger’s defensive duo Ayoub Abdellaoui and Abdellatif Ramadhan, alongside Espérance de Tunis forward Youcef Belaïli, headline the selection following standout performances that proved crucial in their teams’ progression to the knockout rounds.
Algerian Stars Shine Bright
Abdellaoui and Ramadhan played pivotal roles in MC Alger’s resilient campaign, with their defensive solidity helping the team secure a vital point in their goalless draw against Tanzania’s Young Africans on the final matchday.
The result was enough to see the Algerian giants book their place in the quarter-finals, thanks in large part to the composure of Abdellaoui at the back and Ramadhan’s decisive saves between the posts.
Meanwhile, Youcef Belaïli, known for his creativity and attacking flair, was instrumental for Espérance de Tunis.
The Algerian international capped off the group stage with a commanding display in the 3-1 victory over ASEC Mimosas, directly contributing to his side’s advancement and reinforcing his reputation as one of the tournament’s most influential forwards.
A Diverse Continental Line-up
The CAF Best XI also highlights the strength and diversity of talent across the continent. South Africa leads the list alongside Algeria, with three players featured.
Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Sesane and forward Relebohile Mofokeng earned their spots following consistent performances, while Mamelodi Sundowns’ Teboho Mokoena anchored the midfield with his trademark composure and vision.
Egypt, another powerhouse in African football, sees two of its stars included. Al Ahly’s Emam Ashour controlled the midfield with precision, while Ibrahim Adel of Pyramids FC brought flair and finishing prowess to the attacking line.
Completing the squad is Angola’s Tó Carneiro, who stood out in AS FAR’s defensive setup, and Congolese defender Steven Ebuela Ehebelo from Al-Hilal Omdurman, whose solid displays made him a key figure for his side.
Palestinian forward Wessam Abou Ali of Al Ahly rounds out the eleven, having impressed with his clinical finishing in the group stage.
CAF Champions League Best XI – Group Stage:
- Goalkeeper: Abdellatif Ramadhan (MC Alger – Algeria)
- Defenders: Ayoub Abdellaoui (MC Alger – Algeria), Tó Carneiro (AS FAR – Angola), Thabiso Sesane (Orlando Pirates – South Africa), Steven Ebuela Ehebelo (Al-Hilal Omdurman – DR Congo)
- Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns – South Africa), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly – Egypt), Youcef Belaïli (Espérance de Tunis – Algeria)
- Forwards: Ibrahim Adel (Pyramids FC – Egypt), Wessam Abou Ali (Al Ahly – Palestine), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates – South Africa)
This year’s group stage showcased a remarkable blend of youth and experience, with teams from across Africa bringing their best talents to the continental stage.
As the tournament now shifts into the quarter-final phase, all eyes will be on these standout players to see if they can continue their impressive form.
For Algeria, the inclusion of three players in the CAF Best XI not only highlights individual excellence but also reflects the strength of Algerian football on the continental scene.
With Abdellaoui, Ramadhan, and Belaïli leading the charge, Algerian fans will be hopeful of seeing their stars shine even brighter in the knockout stages.
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