The Guardian :
Before the start of the competition, no one knew the name of Mohamed Nbalie Kamara. This young 22-year-old goalkeeper, playing in the Sierra Leone championship, became a hero during his match against Algeria. Elected man of the match during this meeting, he had disgusted the Algerian attackers with no less than 7 decisive saves. Not to mention his perfect outings away from his goal. Facing Ivory Coast then, he had repelled Kessie’s penalty and had made some new parades. And if he could not prevent the elimination of his family, he had the merit of revealing himself in broad daylight.
Defense :
Indisputable with Morocco, Achraf Hakimi grew in power over the course of the competition. After a very serious performance against Ghana, the right side of PSG showed a more than attractive face against the Comoros and especially against Gabon during the last day, where he was excellent both defensively and offensively with this shot in particular. frankly sumptuous. In central defense, he is accompanied by his teammate Romain Saiss. The captain of the Atlas Lions has been performing very well since the start of the season and he confirmed it at the start of this AFCON. Excellent in the duel, solid in his interventions, he is an indisputable element of his team. When he is not there, Morocco seems less solid.
By his side, William Troost-Ekong. The 28-year-old defender has made quite an impression with Nigeria. In a team considered to be the favorite of the tournament, he has established himself as a safe bet in this defense. Against Egypt, he exuded extreme serenity and his other matches were of the same level. Finally, at the left side position, we find Ghislain Konan. The Stade de Reims defender was very solid with Côte d’Ivoire. His match against Algeria confirmed his good form at the moment. Serious defensively, he also distinguished himself on the offensive phases with good participation on the corridors.
The middle:
He was expected after the last disappointing matches and the least we can say is that he was there. Naby Keita proved that he was a high class player with Guinea at the start of the tournament. Author of a magnificent goal on the last day, he was one of the great architects of Guinea’s qualification for the round of 16. He is accompanied by a man who also impressed in this first round: it is Wilfred Ndidi.
The middle of Leicester walked in this first round of CAN. Comfortable both technically and physically, he dictated the tempo of his team in all three matches. When he is at this level, it is difficult for the Super Eagles to outsmart. The last midfielder of this team is none other thanIbrahim Sangare. Performing well with PSV this season, he has risen to prominence in this competition. After a decent match against Equatorial Guinea, he was good against Sierra Leone. His best game remains against Algeria where he showed all his technical skills.
The attack :
Last minute holder after the withdrawal of three Moroccan attackers, Sofiane Boufal seized his chance perfectly. Decisive scorer on the first day against Ghana, the 28-year-old striker confirmed his good return to form this season with Angers. Able to provoke and create danger at any time, he also sounded the revolt of his people on the last day against Gabon by scoring a penalty he caused and obtaining the fault on the free kick from Hakimi. On the other side of the attack, we find Nicolas Pepe.
In lack of playing time on the side of Arsenal, the former Lille resident finds sensations with Côte d’Ivoire. Substitute on the first day, he proved to his coach that he could be decisive. Scorer and man of the match against Sierra Leone, he was twirling against Algeria. Finally, at the forefront of this attack, who else but Vincent Aboubakar. Top scorer in the competition with 5 goals, the Cameroonian striker has succeeded in everything he has tried since the start of the CAN. He was also logically elected best player of the group stage by CAF. At home, in his country, the captain of the Indomitable Lions seems in better shape than ever. For the greatest happiness of a whole people.
We could also have mentioned: Moses Simon (Nigeria), Musa Barrow (Gambia), Joe Aribo (Nigeria), Jim Allevinah (Gabon), Bruno Ecuele Manga (Gabon), Amadou Haidara (Mali), Ibrahima Koné (Mali)…
