Bafana Bafana Players Missing As Nigerian Star Makes List of Best Players So Far at AFCON 2025
- Bafana Bafana stars have been snubbed in the list of the best players at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
- The second round of group matches was concluded on Sunday, with three countries securing a qualification ticket to the next round
- A sports journalist listed his top performers so far in the tournament during an interview with Briefly News after the second round of the group games were done
Bafana Bafana players have yet to make their mark as some of the best players at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after the second group games were concluded. South African players have failed to make the list of top performers in the competition so far, with their absence highlighting the struggles the team has faced in the group stage, particularly in key matches when moments of brilliance were needed to secure points.
Bafana Bafana started the competition with a narrow win over Angola and followed it up with a controversial defeat against Egypt, with the referee coming under fire due to some of his calls in the match.
In contrast to Bafana Bafana's form, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have enjoyed a good spell in the competition, having secured a place in the next round after winning their first two matches. A Nigerian star has also emerged as one of the tournament’s most impressive performers, earning recognition for consistent displays of skill, vision, and goals or assists in both group matches.
The player's performance has helped Eric Chelle's side emerge as one of the most competitive teams in the early stages of the tournament. They have also captured the attention of fans, pundits, and opposition teams alike. This individual brilliance underscores the importance of standout players in shaping group-stage outcomes and influencing team momentum.
The comparison between South African and Nigerian players is due to the rivalry between the two countries, with Bafana Bafana having beaten Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket, as both teams were in the same qualification group.
Standout performers at AFCON 2025 so far
Sports journalist Uche Anuma, in an exclusive interview with Briefly News, named his best players so far at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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"Ademola Lookman and Riyad Mahrez top the list of best players at AFCON so far, with Brahim Diaz also a player who has put in a good performance," he said.
"Honourable mentions are Amad Diallo and Senegal's Nicolas Jackson. I still feel several players will showcase their talents and light up the competition as it progresses."
Anuma also shared his thoughts on Bafana Bafana players after their first two group games against Angola and Egypt.
"I had high hopes for Bafana Bafana in this competition, after they finished third in Ivory Coast last year, but they've failed to convince me in their first two matches," he added.
"The game against Angola was close to ending in a draw. I need them to be dominant because they are one of the best sides in this competition.
"I am yet to see any of their players who have convinced me totally with their performance, but if I am to name one who has tried a little bit, then I would go for Mbekezeli Mbokazi, just for putting in a good shift against Egypt and limiting Mohamed Salah from having a good game."
Broos hails Bafana star after Angola tie
Briefly News also reported that Broos showered praises on a South African international after his impressive performance in Bafana Bafana's win over Angola in their AFCON 2025 opener.
The Bafana Bafana head coach was critical about the performance of his team, but singled out the player who effected a change in the second period of the match.
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Source: Briefly News
