AFCON 2019: Best XI of the group stages

AFCON 2019: Best XI of the group stages

By Admin

The Africa Cup of Nations group stage matches have come and gone, having thoroughly entertained in the first week.

As the tournament enters the round of 16, we look at the top performers so far, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation.

GK. Mohamed El Shenawy (Egypt)

Shenawy has so far starred for Egypt, helping the hosts become the first team to book a place in the last 16 stage of the tournament. He has not conceded so far and even though his defence has been near-perfect, he was time and again called to the team's rescue especially against Uganda. He will be one of the main reasons the Pharaohs will be champions if they go all the way.

RB. Ahmed Elmohamady (Egypt)
Just like Shenawy, Elmohamady has marshalled his defence well and has been the rock under which the team is built. He has not only been exceptional at the back with the towering defender among the leading scorers with two goals.

CB. Yaya Banana (Cameroon)
The Cameroonian has been a rock at the back for the defending champions, and despite not having the best start, they are through to the next round. His skills in reading the game have been above best.

CB. Ahmed Hegazi (Egypt)
The defender has also been an utter class for Egypt alongside Elmohamady and particularly did a good job marking Uganda dangerman Emannuel Okwi when the two sides met in the second match.

LB. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Morocco won all their three group matches with 1-0 identical scores, conceding zero goals in the process. Hakimi was instrumental on the left wing and was involved in most of the team's best moves across the three matches.

DM. Andrea Nantenaina (Madagascar)
Madagascar has surprised the continent in this tournament, qualifying for the round of 16 in their first appearance. Carolus Andriamahitsinoro and Nantenaina have been the shining light in the team, and he gets a mention in the team.

CM. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
The Algerian was expected to light up the tournament, and even though he has not shone as expected, he has produced some magical moments on the right wing. He scored against Kenya in their opening match and alongside Feghouli, they have been the main men for the Algerians.

CM. Ismail Benaccer (Algeria)
Benaccer has been one of the star performers in group C. He scored the winning goal against Senegal in the second match, having assisted Mahrez in the first match against Kenya. His trickery and nose for goal have been his strongest skills yet.

LW. Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Fresh from winning the Champions League, Mane was expected to be the star of the show. Having missed the opening match against Tanzania, the attacker came back stronger against Algeria and even though he didn't score, he put in a decent performance. He grabbed a brace in the last match against Kenya and could have hit a hattrick had he converted the first penalty.

RW. Mo Salah (Egypt)
The Liverpool star has had a fairly good start, and even though Trezeguet has been the dangerman for Pharaos, he has shown what he's made of. He has two goals so far, having hit one against Uganda and DR Congo. He is expected to lead his nation to glory on home soil.

CF. Jordan Ayew (Ghana)
Jordan and Andre (Ayew brothers) have carried the Black Stars into the next round of the tournament with match-winning performances. Jordan has two goals so far, with his older brother on one. He has been the perfect centre forward so far and demonstrated so in the first goal on Tuesday against Guinea-Bissau

Substitutes Bench
Andre Onana

Youcef Atal

Medhi Benatia

André-Frank Anguissa

Cedric Bakambu

Youcef Belaïli

C. Andrea

Credit: futa.com