The tournament has had some brilliant moments from star players…As the African Cup of Nations reached its conclusion last night with a 9-8 penalty win for Ivory Coast in the final, CaughtOffside looks at the team of the tournament.
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Here is the team:
Goalkeeper: Felipe Ovono (Equatorial Guinea)
The Deportivo Mongomo goalkeeper was an unknown before the start of the tournament but made the most saves, one of the main reasons behind Equatorial Guinea’s excellent performance.
Right back: Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast)
22-year-old, Serge Aurier, continues to build his burgeoning reputation with a very solid outing in Equatorial Guinea. Invaluably contributed in defence and attack, running himself into the ground.
Centre back: Jonathan Mensah (Ghana)
The Ghana centre back is a relative veteran of his national team and although he is in and out of the Evian side in Ligue 1, his organisation for his national side was second to none.
Centre back: Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast)
A brilliant farewell tournament to Ivorian legend Kolo Toure. He benefitted from his country playing a similar system to his club, using a back line of three centre backs, and will be more than happy with how his competition panned out.
Left back: Faouzi Ghoulam (Algeria)
Faouzi Ghoulam impressed for Algeria and his presence in defence and contributing to attacking phases was a large reason behind his side’s qualification to the quarter finals.
Right wing: Yannick Bolasie (DR Congo)
Bolasie created the most chances in the entire competition and while the Crystal Palace winger can be frustrating, he has the ability to turn a game on it’s head.
Centre midfield: Mubarak Wakaso (Ghana)
Before coming into AFCON 2015 Wakaso wasn’t even a regular starter for the Black Stars but he took the tournament by the scruff of the neck playing arguably the pass of the tournament to Asamoah Gyan against Algeria.
Centre midfield: Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)
A player of Yaya Toure’s ability and pedigree was always going to impress against opponents who, for the main part, can only dream of achieving what he has done in his career. His quality shone through and he drove his side to their eventual triumph.
Left wing: Christian Atsu (Ghana)
Came into AFCON 2015 with a point to prove following a disappointing showing in his loan spell at Everton. Named AFCON player of the tournament and won goal of the tournament with his quarter final strike against Guinea, Atsu did everything but win the trophy.
Striker: Thievy Bifouma (Congo)
The former West Brom man, who is now on loan at Almeria from Espanyol, scored three goals for Congo while also creating more chances. The 22-year-old is tipped to be one of Africa’s shining lights in the future.
Striker Wilfried Bony (Ivory Coast)
Former Swansea man Wilfried Bony showed Manchester City just what they have to look forward to. While he is noted for his goals he also showed willingness to work hard for the team, contributing impressive link-up play and vital assists.