Let’s take a look at the top performers of the tournament so far!
After much anticipation, the Africa Cup of Nations finally started on Sunday. Cameroon came back from behind to win the tournament’s opening game, thanks to a brace from Vincent Aboubakar.
Four days later, every AFCON team have now made their first impressions. The opening round of the group stage ended on Wednesday, with groups discovering their first leaders.
Goals were not in abundance during the first round, with nine of the first 12 games ending in 1-0 results. However, the tournament did not lack drama at all. From Max-Alain Gradel’s tears after scoring for Ivory Coast to a bizarre time-keeping error in Mali’s win over Tunisia.
As teams prepare for their second group stage games, Whoscored have named their Team of the First Round.
Senegal has the most players on the list after a convincing win over Zimbabwe in their opening game. In addition to Sadio Mane and Bouna Sarr, defender Pape Abou Cisse has also made the list. The Lions dominated the game, but Cisse’s brilliant performance was vital for them to keep their clean sheet.
Whoscored have selected Angers winger Sofiane Boufal as the Player of the Round. Boufal was fundamental to Morocco’s 1-0 win over Ghana. The frustrated Black Stars registered six fouls on the winger. But, it was not enough to stop Boufal from making an impact on the left-hand side.
AFCON Team of the First round
Goalkeeper
Mohamed Kamara 🇸🇱
Defenders
Mustafa Karshoum 🇸🇩 – Pape Abou Cisse 🇸🇳 – Nouhou Tolo 🇨🇲 – Jefferson Encada 🇬🇼
Midfielders
Max Gradel 🇨🇮 – Bouna Sarr 🇸🇳 – Gustavo Sangare 🇧🇫 – Sofiane Boufal 🇲🇦
Forwards
Sadio Mane 🇸🇳 – Vincent Aboubakar 🇨🇲