BREAKING: L’Équipe Names Victor Osimhen And Others In AFCON 2025 Tournament’s Strongest XI [FULL LIST]
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) just days away, respected French sports daily L’Équipe has released what it believes to be the strongest possible starting XI for the tournament.
The lineup features a strong Senegalese presence, with four players from the reigning champions making the cut. At the heart of the team is Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, whose recent form continues to draw global attention.
The Galatasaray forward scored 26 goals in all competitions last season and remains Nigeria’s most potent attacking threat heading into the finals.
Between the posts, Senegal’s Edouard Mendy is trusted to provide calm and authority. Now with Al-Ahli, Mendy boasts an impressive international record, including 29 clean sheets in 70 caps, and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most reliable goalkeepers.
The defence blends power and finesse. Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi brings pace and creativity from full-back, having registered 12 goal contributions for Paris Saint-Germain last season. He is joined by Roma’s Evan N’Dicka, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, and Algeria’s rising star Rayan Aït-Nouri, now plying his trade at Manchester City.
In midfield, Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr partners Brighton’s energetic Carlos Baléba, a duo praised for their balance of grit and ball progression.
The attacking line is packed with pedigree. Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Senegal icon Sadio Mané complete a fearsome front four alongside Osimhen.
