The Premier League stars who made their mark at AFCON

This year's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) featured 32 Premier League players, demonstrating England's top flight continues to have a massive influence on the international game. With clubs represented throughout the competition, the quality on display was consistently high. However, as the weeks unfolded, it became clear that not everyone left the same impression.

While some players occupied supporting roles or struggled for form, a select group rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Here's a closer look at the Premier League stars who truly excelled at AFCON.

 

Calvin Bassey – Nigeria/Fulham

Calvin Bassey emerged as one of the competition's standout defenders and played a key role in Nigeria's impressive defensive record. The Fulham centre-back was named in the CAF Team of the Tournament after weeks of composed displays that blended defensive strength with exceptional ball-playing ability.

Bassey completed more passes than any other player at AFCON, finishing with over 275 at an impressive 88% accuracy. From deep, he created 12 key passes that helped Nigeria transition from defence to attack with pace. He stayed on the pitch for over 540 minutes, the joint-highest total for Nigeria.

 

Noussair Mazraoui – Morocco/Manchester United

Mazraoui was the cornerstone of Morocco's extraordinary defensive unit that marched all the way to the final. The Manchester United full-back helped his side achieve something special: they didn't concede a single goal from open play, keeping five clean sheets in six matches.

He won 62% of his duels while providing balance and intelligent positioning in possession. Whether Morocco needed him to defend or step forward to support attacks, he adapted seamlessly. His performances rightfully earned him a spot in the CAF Team of the Tournament.

 

Idrissa Gueye – Senegal/Everton

Gueye once again proved why he's such a trusted figure for Senegal. The Everton midfielder was the embodiment of consistency, playing every single minute as Senegal claimed the trophy. He never dropped below a SofaScore rating of seven throughout the competition.

What separated Gueye from other midfielders was his progressive play. He completed more passes in the opposition half than any other player with 243, constantly helping Senegal build attacks and control tempo. His ability to shield the defence whilst driving his team forward made him indispensable, earning him a place in the CAF Team of the Tournament.

 

Lyle Foster – South Africa/Burnley

Foster emerged as South Africa's most influential attacking player. The Burnley forward was directly involved in four of South Africa's six group-stage goals, either scoring himself or creating chances for teammates.

What impressed most was his relentless work rate. Even in tight matches where chances were scarce, Foster remained a constant threat through his movement and hold-up play.

 

Mo Salah – Egypt/Liverpool

Salah led Egypt to the semi-finals with a string of match-winning contributions. The Liverpool superstar scored in four consecutive matches, with three of those goals directly securing victories. When Egypt needed someone to step up in crucial moments, Salah was there.

Though he missed a penalty during the run, his overall impact was undeniable. He logged around 570 minutes and remained Egypt's most dangerous outlet.

 

Amad Diallo – Ivory Coast/Manchester United

Diallo enjoyed a productive spell for Ivory Coast, scoring in back-to-back matches at a crucial stage. His second-half winner against Mozambique proved vital in a tight 1–0 victory, before he followed up with a goal and an assist in a 3–0 demolition of Burkina Faso.

 

El Hadji Malick Diouf – Senegal/West Ham

Diouf quietly had an excellent competition for Senegal, blending defensive solidity with attacking threat. The West Ham defender won 58% of his duels, contributed to four clean sheets and regularly got forward to create chances from wide areas.

 

Omar Marmoush – Manchester City and Egypt

Marmoush played a key role in Egypt's semi-final run, scoring two goals, including a vital equaliser against Zimbabwe in a match Egypt eventually won 2–1. His impact in that game earned him Man of the Match honours and highlighted his growing importance at international level.