Football

CAF releases official 2023 AFCON Team of the Tournament

The official AFCON 2023 Team of the Tournament © CAF

By Rama Mohammed | Wednesday, February 14, 2024

The CAF Technical Study Group has released the 2023 AFCON Team of the Tournament with Ivory Coast title-winning manager Emerse Fae taking the head coach role.

The curtains fell on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, a tournament hailed as the pinnacle of African football, culminating in a thrilling showdown where hosts Cote d’Ivoire clinched victory in a nail-biting final against Nigeria at Abidjan’s Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday 11th February.

Throughout the tournament, the Technical Study Group (TSG) of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) meticulously tracked and evaluated the performances of players, resulting in the unveiling of the Best XI, a roster that reflects the standout performers of the competition.

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Host nation Cote d’Ivoire, basking in their newfound glory as African champions, secured three coveted spots in the Best XI roster, with Ghislan Konan, Jean Michael Seri, and Franck Kessie earning well-deserved recognition for their contributions. Kessie, in particular, etched his name in the annals of football history with a crucial goal in the final that propelled his team to glory.

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Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up to your #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 Team of the Tournament. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/jfFtjcQzpk
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 14, 2024

Nigeria, despite falling agonizingly short of the title, boasted a formidable presence in the Best XI, with Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, and Ademola Lookman earning spots on the prestigious list.

South Africa, initially deemed underdogs but emerging as valiant contenders, showcased their prowess with two players making the cut: goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, whose heroic exploits included a record-breaking penalty-saving spree, and midfielder Teboho Mokoena, providing a solid defensive foundation.

Rounding off the Best XI are representatives from DR Congo, with Yoane Wissa and Chancel Mbemba staking their claim with impressive performances that propelled their team to a commendable fourth-place finish.

The Best XI lineup epitomizes the diversity and talent showcased throughout the tournament, with players from various nations coming together to form a cohesive unit of exceptional skill and ability.

AFCON 2023 Best XI Lineup

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 (Cote d'Ivoire)

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

Emilio Nsue, despite representing a team that didn’t progress to the semi-finals, distinguished himself as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, underscoring the individual brilliance that illuminated the Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.