2023 AFCON: Williams, Lookman and Nsue headline AFCON team of the tournament

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FOOTBALL 2023 AFCON: Williams, Lookman and Nsue headline AFCON team of the tournament

Festus Chuma 16:00 - 14.02.2024

CAF has unveiled Best XI from 2023 Africa Cup of Nations that was held in Cote d'Ivoire.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Technical Study Group (TSG) has unveiled its much-anticipated Best XI for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following an exhilarating tournament held in Cote d'Ivoire. 

The prestigious list features the crème de la crème of African football highlighting players who have left an indelible mark on this year's championship.

The tournament, which is already being hailed as one of the finest editions of AFCON, concluded in a dramatic fashion as host nation Cote d'Ivoire staged a remarkable comeback to clinch the title against Nigeria at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan. 

Cote d'Ivoire's triumph was powered by exceptional performances from several players, three of whom have been recognized in the Team of the Tournament. Ghislan Konan, Jean Michael Seri, and Franck Kessie have all earned their spots, with Kessie's pivotal goal in the final being a key moment in their victorious campaign.

Nigeria, despite the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on the title, also has substantial representation with Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, and Ademola Lookman making the list. 

Their contributions throughout the tournament were instrumental in Nigeria's formidable run to the final.

South Africa, the tournament's dark horses, who defied expectations to secure a third-place finish, are represented by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

 Williams, in particular, etched his name into the history books with a record-breaking penalty shootout performance that captivated fans worldwide.

DR Congo, who finished in a commendable fourth place, saw Yoane Wissa and Chancel Mbemba included in the Best XI, recognition of their solid performances that propelled the team to the latter stages of the competition.

In goal, Williams' heroics are undisputed, while the defensive line comprises Aina, Troost-Ekong, Konan, and Mbemba, all of whom were stalwarts for their respective nations.

The midfield trio of Mokoena, Seri, and Kessie showcases a mix of defensive diligence and creative prowess, providing the perfect balance in the heart of the pitch.

Leading the attack, Wissa and Lookman, alongside Equatorial Guinea's Emilio Nsue, formed a formidable front line. Nsue, the tournament's top scorer with five goals, demonstrated exceptional skill and finishing ability, proving to be a nightmare for defenders.

Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)

Defenders: Ola Aina (Nigeria), Ghislan Konan (Cote d'Ivoire), William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria), Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo).

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa), Jean Michael Seri (Cote d'Ivoire), Franck Kessie

Strikers:  Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria),  Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea)

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