The release of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi-final Team of the Tournament by leading statistics platform SofaScore has sparked widespread debate, with the most striking talking point being the absence of Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Despite delivering one of the defining performances of the competition, the Atlas Lions’ number one was left out of the ideal XI, a decision that has surprised observers across the continent.
Bounou was instrumental in Morocco’s progression to the final, producing a commanding display against Nigeria before saving two penalties in the shootout that sealed qualification.
His composure and shot-stopping under pressure were widely praised, making his omission all the more contentious given the decisive role he played on the night in Rabat.
Instead, the highest-rated player of the semi-final stage was Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who earned a 9.10 rating after an outstanding performance against Morocco.
Nwabali’s display, though coming in defeat, was deemed statistically superior, earning him a place between the posts in the semi-final XI and underlining the fine margins separating individual recognition from team success.
The semi-finals themselves were tightly contested. Senegal became the first side to reach the final after edging Egypt 1–0 in Tangier, while Morocco followed by overcoming Nigeria on penalties after a goalless draw across 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Both matches were marked by tactical discipline and defensive resilience rather than attacking spectacle.
SofaScore’s selected back line featured Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd, Senegal’s Moussa Niakhaté, and Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey, reflecting the defensive nature of the last four.
In midfield, Moroccan duo Neil El Aynaoui and Noussair Mazraoui were joined by Senegal’s Idrissa Gana Gueye and Habib Diarra, offering a balance of control, energy, and experience.
The attacking trio comprised Senegal star Sadio Mané alongside Moroccan forwards Youssef En-Nesyri and Bilal El Khannouss.
Notably, no Egyptian players were included despite a spirited semi-final showing against Senegal.
