The Best XI From AFCON 2021

The just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON tournament was one to remember for everyone with its shocking results, outstanding individual brilliance as the best from the tournament showed their prowess. GreenWhiteGreen GWG has compiled a list of the best XI at the AFCON 2021.

Gabaski – Goalkeeper

Despite missing out on the award for best goalkeeper of the tournament which was given to Senegal’s Edouard Mendy, Egyptian shot stopper Gabaski is definitely not missing out on our list. The big goalie was clutch throughout the tournament for Egypt, although his man of the match performance in the final was not enough to lead his side to victory as they fell short on penalties. Being initially, a back-up goalkeeper to El Shanawy, Gabaksi showed his worth when called upon as he made one penalty save in the Round of 16 against Ivory Coast, two penalty saves versus Cameroon in the Semi finals and another penalty save in normal time in the Final.

Issa Kabore – Right back

Awarded the best young player at the tournament, that accolade sums up Kabore’s outstanding debut competition. The 20- year-old provided four assists in seven appearances including two in the 3rd place play off where Burkina Faso cruelly missed out on penalties to hosts Cameroon. Issa Kabore surely deserves a mention for his brilliance.

Collins Fai – Left back

Cameroon and St. Liege defender Fai played a vital role in his team’s success to emerge 3rd in the competition. Being the hosts, The Indomitable Lions would have preferred to reach the final but a stunning comeback win from 3 goals down to secure a 3rd place spot was a consolation for them. In that run, Collins Fai nudged up three assists ending up second on the assist chart in the competition.

Kalidou Koulibaly – Centre back

Captain and Leader of the Teranga Lions, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly led his team to continental glory as he lifted their first ever AFCON title and also found himself among the Best XI. Missing the first two group games, Koulibaly shrugged off Covid and returned to the starting line strong as ever as he helped his side to maintain a staggering defensive record at the tournament with 5 clean sheets in total.

Abdou Diallo – Centre back

The 25-year-old defender was an integral part of Senegal’s AFCON triumph, joining his compatriot on this list, the Paris Saint Germain man formed a brick-wall defence for his side. Their defensive doggedness was their greatest weapon as they went on to conquer Africa. He scored the second goal in a 3-1 win over Burkina Faso in the Semi final.

Andre Zambo Anguissa – Defensive Midfielder

The architect of Cameroon’s midfield was Anguissa. The Napoli man was vital for the host nation as he led his side to a 3rd place finish in the competition. He featured in all the games but the last when they beat Burkina Faso on penalties but his absence was felt in the middle of the park as they struggled to create chances and break play going three goals down before a dramatic turnaround that saw them emerge victors.

Mohamed Elneny – Centre Midfielder

The Pharaohs ended the competition on a disappointing note as they lost in the final to Senegal on penalties. However, Elneny deserves a spot in our list of the best AFCON XI as his midfield domination for Egypt led them to the final. After reaching the final in 2017 where he scored, Elneny and Egypt missed out on yet another final as they continue their search for an 8th AFCON title.

Cheikhou Kouyate – Centre Midfielder

Senegal’s Kouyate had a decent tournament performance, but his inclusion in our list shows our appreciation for the hardworking midfielder. Senegal were missing Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly at the start of the tournament to illness, but Kouyate stepped up to a centre back role to ensure security in defence for his side. They kept five clean sheets overall and were had the best defensive record in the competition.

Karl Toko Ekambi – Right winger

Giving support to Vincent Aboubakar in Cameroon’s front line was Toko Ekambi. His five goals were key to Cameroon’s success as the 3rd placed nation. The Lyon forward was second on the goalscoring chart, second behind his compatriot, but his most important contribution was in the quarterfinal where he scored a brace in a 2-1 win to singlehandedly send them to the next round.

Sadio Mane – Left winger

What a tournament the skilful winger had, he led his team’s attack with strength, passion and hard work, when he did not score he was either assisting or tracking back to offer defensive assistance. His winning penalty was a moment that will live long in the memories of Senegal football history and his efforts did not go unnoticed as he was awarded the best player of AFCON and surely a place in the Best XI.

Vincent Aboubakar – Striker

Although the striker cemented his heroic status in the 2017 AFCON edition by scoring the winning goal, this time he was arguably the best player of the tournament as he scored a total high of eight goals and provided one assist, scooping up the golden boot award in the process. His performance in the 3rd place playoff will be unforgettable for the Indomitable Lions as he came on to spark an incredible comeback with two goals from 3-0 at halftime.

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