The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is just around the corner and, as usual, attention falls not only on the goalscorers, but also on the men whose mission is to prevent the rivals' celebrations. In a tournament where defensive solidity often defines the champions, these five goalkeepers arrive with the status of undisputed stars.

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The main protagonist will undoubtedly be Yassine Bounou. Recently awarded the 2025 CAF African Goalkeeper of the Year, the Moroccan will be playing on home soil. His composure and experience with Al-Hilal and the 'Atlas Lions' place him as the tournament's top reference. Alongside him, South Africa's Ronwen Williams seeks to repeat his heroics. Williams, captain of the 'Bafana Bafana,' stunned the world in the previous edition with his penalty shootout saves and arrives at the peak of his career

Senegal also has a safety net: Édouard Mendy. Although he now plays in the Saudi league, the former Chelsea goalkeeper maintains the reflexes that led the 'Teranga Lions' to continental glory. On the other hand, Egypt's hierarchy is well represented by veteran Mohamed El-Shenawy, whose physical presence and leadership are vital for the 'Pharaohs' aspirations

Finally, although there are doubts due to physical discomfort, Nigerian Stanley Nwabali completes this list. After being the revelation in 2023, Nwabali has established himself as the undisputed owner of the 'Super Eagles' goal, providing a sobriety that Nigeria had not seen in years. It is worth noting the significant absence of André Onana, who, following internal conflicts with the Cameroon federation, will not be part of the event, leaving a major media void in the tournament

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