Hakimi earns perfect 10 as Gabon dominate CAN 2027 qualifying team of the week

Achraf Hakimi scored twice and provided an assist as Morocco and Algeria each had one player selected in the best XI from the third round of CAN 2027 qualifying.

The team was chosen using ratings from partner Sportmonks, with Hakimi receiving the highest possible mark of 10/10 after Morocco’s 5-1 win against Niger.

The Paris Saint-Germain right-back was the outstanding performer of the round, contributing to all three of Morocco’s goals. His display comes as he continues to establish himself as a leading contender for the 2026 African Ballon d’Or.

Algeria’s Ramy Bensebaini also made the side, although he has been placed at centre-back after starting at left-back on Saturday. The captain scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Togo, heading the Fennecs to three valuable points.

Morocco and Algeria are among the countries that could secure qualification for CAN 2027 as early as next week.

Strong attacking displays

The forward line features several players who produced decisive performances in the third round.

Denis Bouanga is included despite missing his first penalty against Lesotho. He responded by scoring twice in a 2-0 victory.

Aiyegun Tosin also struck two goals as Benin defeated Central African Republic 4-1. The Lorient striker additionally created two key chances, underlining his contribution to the Guepards’ attacking play.

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah completes the attack after an impressive display in the 5-0 win over Malawi. He scored twice and created six key chances in a highly productive performance for the Pharoahs.

At the other end of the pitch, Zimbabwe goalkeeper Nelson Chadya played a major role in his side’s goalless draw with Equatorial Guinea. The match, staged in Yaounde, Cameroon, was stopped for about 10 minutes near the end because of a power cut.

The Scottland FC goalkeeper, who plays in Zimbabwe, made eight saves to preserve his side’s clean sheet and earn his place in the XI.

Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf provided an assist with a cross for Boulaye Dia and created three key chances in the 4-1 win against Sudan.

Libya’s Ali Youssef scored from the penalty spot and made 13 clearances during a notable 2-0 victory over Tunisia in the derby.

In midfield, Cameroon’s Arthur Avom Ebong excelled as the holding player in the Indomitable Lions’ 2-0 win over Namibia. He recorded three key passes, completed 94% of his passes, made 10 recoveries and five interceptions, and won six of eight ground duels.

Guelor Kanga created a goal from a corner and supplied three key passes as Gabon beat Lesotho 2-0. His inclusion, alongside Bouanga, makes Gabon the best-represented nation in the team.

Mali’s Kamory Doumbia completes the XI after scoring and producing three key passes in the 3-2 victory against Rwanda.