Our AFCON 2023 BEST 11

As the dust settles on probably the best African Nations Cup in recent history; a number of players caught the eye which lays credence to the fact the future of the beautiful game is in safe hands on the African continent.

A number of the big stars failed to live up to the billing, from Riyad Mahrez to Mo Salah to Sadio Mane and of course the collective disappointment that was World Cup Semi finalist, Morocco.

The Ivory Coast have hosted a tournament that has endeared it’s heart to many and as also won many hearts across the globe. Here are the standout performers at the just concluded African Cup of Nations in a 3-4-3 formation:

In goal is Ronwen Williams; South Africa’s captain won the hearts of many after his heroics in the quarter-finals against Cape Verde; where he stopped four of the five penalties he saved. Now, Ronwen is not just about saving penalties; he is also credited with arguably the save of the tournament with his last gasp save against Cape Verde.

The Mamelodi Sundowns stopper brought is brilliant club form to the continental show piece, leaving an indelible mark.

At right center bank is Mothobi Mvala; another member of the Mamelodi Sundowns’ contingent to the AFCON. A tall, capable and dependable defender; good on his feet and very useful in the air. Mvala was a resilient and competent performer for the Bafana Bafana as they got to the Semi Finals for the first time since year 2000.

My left center back is captain of the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo; Chancel Mbemba; a seasoned campaigner on the continent and a great leader to the DRC’s best performance at the AFCON in recent memory.

Nigerian Captain and CAF’s player of the tournament; William Troost Ekong had a fantastic tournament. Troost Ekong’s story at this AFCON is that of reinvention. Many had written him off and wondered why he made the final list but he put his best foot forward to lead Nigeria to a second place finish, contributing to the cause with three goals.

In Midfield, Frank ”The Tank” Onyeka was a stellar performer in Nigeria’s campaign at this AFCON and was instrumental every aspect of the game that was good for Nigeria. Teboho Mokoena takes the second place in midfield after an industrious and energetic performance for the Bafana Bafana; one of the highlights of this AFCON was his sensational freekick to knockout Morocco in the first knockout round.

On the right side of midfield is Frank Kessie; one of the unsung heroes of Ivory Coast’s unlikely AFCON victory; his pressure penalties in the game against Senegal and his equalizer against Nigeria sets him apart as one of the competitions top performers.

On the left is Gelson Dala; Angola’ top scorer and chief entertainer; had a brilliant campaign that not only entertained but won many hearts leading to a quarter final finish for the Palancas Negras.

Upfront is Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman; who finished the competition with three goals for the Super Eagles but showed a desire to be involved in other aspects of the game with his tenacity and industry.

The break out star at this AFCON, Simon Adingra was the right pick me up the hosts needed. Introduced at just the right time in this tournament with an equalizer against Mali and his Man of the man showing in the final against Nigeria

Leading the line is tournament top scorer; Emialino Nsue of the Equatorial Guinea. He may not have made it pass the first knockout round or even contrived to miss a penalty; his exploits in the group phase, separates him from other strikers at this tournament.

Manager of the AFCON is none other than Emerson Fae; the first man to win a continental title off a new manager bounce; but he must be commended for the changes and the reintroduction of the more experienced players back into the Ivorian line up.

There are other players who are worthy of mention ; Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali who emerged from no where to become Nigeria’s number 1 goalie.

Babacar Niasse of Mauritania was another that caught the eye; along with Lamine Camara of Senegal; who was a bright spark in an otherwise disappointing Senegalese team, potentially a future captain of the Teranga Lions of Senegal.

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