Nene Dorgeles headlines team of the matchday in Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers

Nene Dorgeles was named the standout player as Mali, Algeria, Morocco and the Democratic Republic of the Congo provided several of the leading performances during the opening round of Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying.

The first round of matches took place from Thursday to Saturday, with 24 fixtures played by 48 competing nations. Afrik-Foot’s team of the round was selected using player ratings provided by its partner Sportmonks.

Togo goalkeeper Malcolm Barcola takes the place between the posts after helping his side beat Burundi 1-0. The Ittihad Tanger goalkeeper made five saves to protect Togo’s narrow lead. His rating was higher than that of Yassine Bounou, who also produced an outstanding display in Morocco’s 2-0 victory over Gabon.

The defence features two Morocco players, Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui, alongside Chancel Mbemba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Namibia’s Riaan Hanamub.

Aguerd was influential against Gabon, winning four aerial duels and providing the assist for Mazraoui’s goal. Mbemba scored a header in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea and also made several important interventions.

Mazraoui played on the left for Morocco on Friday, but is selected at right-back in this XI. He combined effectively with Ez Abde and Azzedine Ounahi before scoring against the Panthers.

Hanamub was a key contributor to Namibia’s 1-0 victory over Congo. He supplied the assist and created three chances with key passes.

The midfield is made up of Maruwan Alhibeeshi, Marshall Munetsi and Ibrahim Maza.

Alhibeeshi, a 22-year-old who plays for Al-Ahli in Libya, scored against Botswana in a 2-2 draw and created two chances as his side mounted a late comeback.

Munetsi scored twice in Zimbabwe’s 3-2 comeback victory over Sierra Leone and also registered two key passes.

Maza helped Algeria begin their campaign with a 3-1 win over Zambia in the first match under manager Brahim Hemdani. The young attacking midfielder scored once and provided an assist.

Cameroon forward Danny Namaso completes the attack after scoring and setting up a goal in a 3-1 victory over Comoros. Botswana’s Tumisang Orebonye joins him after scoring twice against Libya, although Botswana conceded a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

Mali winger Nene Dorgeles was the clear choice as the best player of the opening round. He scored twice in the Eagles’ 3-1 victory over Cape Verde and put three of his attempts on target. His rating of 8.95 was the highest in the selected team.