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The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is now in its final lap with host nation Ivory Coast locking horns with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
While one team will most definitely secure glory and lots of individual awards on offer, News Round The Clock takes a peak at the AFCON 2023 best team of the tournament so far.
See the AFCON team of the tournament according to NRTC below:
GK – Stanley Nwabali
Nigeria’s hero in the semi-finals against the Bafana Bafana and the supposed heir to the Vincent Enyeama throne.
The shot-stopper came into the tournament as a backup goalkeeper but has however made the spot in between the sticks his.
Four straight clean sheets spanning the group stages and knockouts helped set Nigeria enroute to the finals.
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LB – Arthur Masuaku
The former West Ham United defender marshaled the left hand side of the Congolese defence.
Playing every game bar the 3rd place encounter against South Africa, he put in assured performances in both offensive and defensive terms.
Also grabbing a timely knockout goal against Guinea.
CB- William Troost-Ekong
The Greek based central defender didn’t feature in qualification for the nation but somehow worked his way back to the national team for the tournament.
Deservedly so, he’s led Nigeria from the back and also stepped to take important penalties tournament long.
Pushing for the Golden ball award, one which no defender has won since the days of Rigobert Song.
CB – Evan N’dicka.
Despite the bolstering defensive options on array for the Ivorian national team, N’dicka has been the mainstay in defence.
Playing with 3 different defensive partners so far in Ousmane Diomande, Edilon Kossounou and the veteran Willy Boly.
The AS Roma defender has been on the best of his defensive prowess and leads the line against a Victor Osimhen inspired attack.
RB – Ola Aina
The Nigerian defender missed Nigeria’s only penalty in the shootout against South Africa.
Stanley Nwabali’s heroics ensuring that moment will not be the blemish on a very fine campaign for the Nottingham forest defender.
The Midfield…
CM- Teboho Mokoena
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder starred as the heart of South Africa’s midfield. Everything for the side going through him from the middle of the park.
Mokoena grabbed a goal in a man-of-the-match display against Morocco and another in the extra time affair against Nigeria.
DM- Frank Onyeka
The tank as fondly called by the Brentford FC faithful, Onyeka has taken on a quite important role in the absence of Wilfred Ndidi.
Breaking up opposition play, recycling possession and dictating play for the Super Eagles.
CM – Franck Kessie.
Kickstarted is tournament with an opening matchday assist to Seko Fofana in the fourth minute.
With the Ivorians trouble across the group stage, new manager Emerse Faè opted not to start him against the Terenga Lions of Senegal.
Coming off the bench in that encounter, he showed good composure to convert his 86th minute penalty to keep them in the game and then another for a winner in the shootouts.
The AFCON frontline of the tournament…
LW – Ademola Lookman
The winger has commanded proceedings for the Nigerians on the flank. Providing an assist for Victor Osimhen’s equalizer against Equatorial Guinea and setting Nigeria up for a fairytale run.
His 3 goals spanning the encounters against Angola and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.
CF- Victor Osimhen
His one goal scored so far is not a fair reflection of the tournament he has had. Leading the charge for the Super Eagles and always ready to run his lungs out.
The campaign has seen 3 disallowed goals for the SSC Napoli forward and most infuriating was against the Bafana Bafana when his supposed goal saw play pulled back for a South Africa penalty on the other end.
RW – Percy Tau
Now back in the region after plying his trade with different European clubs, the winger is currently with Al Ahly SC.
The 29 year old winger headlined South Africa’s offensive arsenal and has proved why he’s the Confederation of African Football’s Inter-Club Player of the Year.
