The announcement of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Team of the Tournament has raised concern in South Africa, with no Bafana Bafana players selected despite reaching the last-16. The omission reinforces a long-standing warning from coach Hugo Broos, who believes South African players need regular exposure in Europe’s top leagues to compete consistently at the highest continental level.
Rather than a lack of talent, the absence highlights a gap in experience compared to nations whose players are hardened in elite competitions. It serves as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for Bafana’s revival, especially with the World Cup on the horizon, placing renewed focus on player development and overseas progression.
The CAF Technical Study Group selected the team using performance data and match analysis. Morocco and Senegal dominated, each with four players, underlining their influence. Morocco impressed defensively through Yassine Bounou, while attackers Brahim Díaz, Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui stood out.
Champions Senegal were led by Sadio Mané (Player of the Tournament), alongside Moussa Niakhaté and Idrissa Gueye. Nigeria contributed three players, including striker Victor Osimhen, plus Calvin Bassey and Ademola Lookman.