Best Players AFCON 2013 produced

[Folami David]

No doubt the Caf Technical
Study Group did select its own
team of the tournament that
include Vincent Enyeama,
Nando Neves, Bakary Kone, Efe
Ambrose, Siaka Tiene, John Obi
Mikel, Seydou Keita, Victor
Moses, Jonathan Pitroipa,
Emmanuel Emenike, Asamoah
Gyan.
But The Predictor looks back at the performances and
picks its first-team for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations
and substitutes.
We also bring you the best of the rest from the
tournament, so check out the pictures and videos
available after the best players selections. And don't
forget to drop your comments in the chat section
below too.
.
Goalkeeper
.
Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria): There is no disputing it
that the Maccabi Tel Aviv guardian had the safest
hands of the tournament. His performance against
Cote d'Ivoire and Mali put him a class of his own.
.
Defenders
.
Mohamed Koffi (Burkina Faso): The 26-year-old was
one of the mainstay in Burkina Faso's defence that
conceded just three goals throughout the
competition. He held down his right-back position
well in matches against Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia,
Togo and Ghana.
.
Bakary Kone (Burkina Faso): The centre-back showed
why he is at French Ligue 1 club, Lyon with decent
input throughout the tournament. His work rate in
the heart of the Stallions' defence was massive and it
propelled them on days when the goals were not
pouring in at the other end.
.
Kenneth Omeruo (Nigeria): Though he did not make
Caf's team of the tournament, supersport.com
believes that the 19-year-old showed a big heart by
slotting seamlessly to replace Joseph Yobo in
Nigeria's centre-back. Zambia, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali and
Burkina Faso can testify to his defensive ability.
.
Elderson Echiejile (Nigeria): The Sporting Braga
defender kept upping his performance game after
game in the competition up till the final. Though he
didn't finish the last match but he ended up being
heads and shoulders above other left-back.
.
Midfielders
.
John Obi Mikel (Nigeria): Hate him or love him, the
Chelsea man was an important part of Nigeria's
midfield trident. His leadership skill was evident
throughout the Afcon. No wonder, Nigeria emerged
champions this time.
.
Seydou Keita (Mali): He is Mali's talisman and it was
clear that carrying the team rested so much on his
shoulders. Except for the 1-4 loss to Nigeria in the
semis, Keita again led his troops to another bronze
medal feat against one of the pre-tournament
favourites, Ghana.
.
Charles Kabore (Burkina Faso): In spite of missing his
team's opening game against Nigeria, the Stallions'
skipper showed he is the fulcrum of his team with
top displays against Ethiopia, Zambia, Togo and
Ghana.
.
Jonathan Pitroipa (Burkina Faso): Another Burkinabe
whose nimble feet caused the like of Ethiopia, Togo
and Ghana troubles. He was named player of the
tournament by Caf though the decision has been
disputed by some pundits but he slots into a midfield
role in this team.
Strikers
.
Emmanuel Emenike (Nigeria): He was by far the best
striker of the tournament. His bulldozing frame and
guts troubled every opposition at the Afcon. His
cracking free kick against pre-tournament favourites,
Cote d'Ivoire also showed he can hit the ball with
pace, power and precision. He scored four goals and
had two assists in five matches, and his finishing
ability was sorely missed in the final.
.
Victor Moses (Nigeria): The 22-year-old was the spine
of the Super Eagles. He had a hand in almost all the
goals Nigeria scored at the Afcon. His technique and
intelligence on and off the ball is highly-rated.
.
Coach
Stephen Keshi (Nigeria): He only took charge of the
Nigerian job less than a year and a half but led his
nation to a third African title. He joins Mahmoud El
Gohary as the only two men to have won the Afcon as
player and coach
.
Reserves
Goalkeeper: Daouda Diakite (Burkina Faso)
Defenders: Godfrey Oboabona (Nigeria), Nando
Neves (Cape Verde), Adama Tamboura (Mali),
Siyabonga Sangweni (South Africa)
Midfielders: Mubarak Wakaso (Ghana), Dean Furman
(South Africa), Ryan Mendes (Cape Verde), Sunday
Mba (Nigeria)
Strikers: Mamadou Samassa (Mali), Gervinho (Cote
d'Ivoire).

[Folami David]

[Shola Sholaz]

My overall best player was Victor Moses. He thrilled me throughout the tournament

[Shola Sholaz]