Thursday, 14 February 2013

AFCON 2013 BEST AWARDS

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)

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