It’s been an incredibly exciting Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) thus far with a tournament high 52 goals scored in the group stage. Although many of the continent’s biggest names have failed to sparkle in Gabon, the lesser known players seem to be taking their opportunity with both arms.
Following the conclusion of the group stages, here are the top five players who have made their mark in the competition so far.
5 – Denis Bouanga – Gabon
In a disappointing campaign for the hosts, the performances of Denis Bouanga stood out. The 22-year-old French-born winger, whose father is from Gabon, set up Aubameyang’s goal in the opening draw with Guinea-Bissau. He was the main source of danger for the Panthers throughout their three draws and agonisingly hit the post in injury time in the 0-0 stalemate with Cameroon that eventually sealed their elimination. He was later seen in tears as he collected his Man of the Match award. He will now go back to Tours in the French second tier, where he is currently on loan from Lorient. In the meantime, Gabon will hope he can remain a key player in the side as they look to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
4 – Sadio Mane – Senegal
This man obviously needs no introduction. Sadio Mane has not only earned a reputation as unarguably Africa’s best forward in the Premier League but also one of the finest in the English top flight. No wonder Liverpool have struggled since his exit to the AFCON with only one win under their belt – which came in an FA Cup third-round replay at Plymouth Argyle. The 24-year-old has been the brain behind Senegal’s impressive run in Gabon, starting and scoring in his country’s first two games against Tunisia and Zimbabwe. With the Terenga Lions assured of a place in the quarter-finals, Aliou Cissé opted to rest his talismanic forward in their final group game and will definitely call on the ex-Southampton man when they face Cameroon.
3 – Christian Bassogog – Cameroon
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon were written off prior to the tournament opener after several big-name players refused call-ups to Hugo Broos’ squad. However, his young side stunned everyone by qualifying for the last eight at the expense of Aubameyang’s Gabon. One of their most impressive performers has been 21-year-old Christian Bassogog, a winger with Danish side, Aalborg, who formerly played in the United States. Bassogog has been something of a surprise star for his country, showcasing superb skills from the flanks – notably how he set-up Michael Ngadeu for the all-important winner against Guinea-Bissau. Broos will definitely be hoping the youngster can continue his incredible form when they face Senegal on Saturday.
2 – Essam El Hadary – Egypt
Egypt’s Essam El Hadary made history when he stepped onto the pitch for injured first choice goalkeeper, Ahmed El-Shenawy, in the 25th minute against Mali. At 44, El-Hadary thus becomes the oldest player to feature in the competition smashing the record held by compatriot, Hossam Hassan, who was 39 in 2006. After the stalemate with the Eagles, the veteran kept his place in the other two fixtures against Uganda and Ghana. In all three games played, El-Hadary was unbeaten – making him the only keeper in the competition to achieve that feat. The four-time champion with 150 caps will be hoping to continue that run against Morocco in the last eight on Sunday.
1 – Junior Kabananga – DR Congo
DR Congo qualified as top of a group that had defending champions, Cote d’Ivoire, Emmanuel Adebayor’s Togo and Morocco. The Leopards were simply spectacular dropping just two points en route to the last eight with Junior Kabananga leading the line for the Central Africans. Kabananga scored in all three group games making him the tournament’s top scorer ahead of Liverpool’s Sadio Mane and already eliminated Islam Slimani, Riyad Mahrez, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The 27-year-old who plays for Kazakh side, Astana, will definitely be a huge asset to any Premier League side team considering his physical attributes, skills, and pace. He comes up against Ghana in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
