The #JoyAFCON Team of the Tournament

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations drew to a close on Friday night in Cairo with Algeria beating Senegal by a lone goal in the final.

As with all tournaments, there were some good games and some bad games but most were intense, highly watchable and enjoyable.

The #JoyAFCON team have rated every single performance in Egypt and can now present our official best team of the tournament.

Formation 1-4-2-3-1

RAIS M’BOLHI (GK):  M’Bolhi was impressive in goal with a save ratio of 2.3 per game and conceded just two goals. The Al-Ettifaq goalkeeper was undoubtedly the safest pair of hands in this competition.

YOUCEF ATAL (RB): Atal was one of Djamel’s most trusted players with great defensive and offensive capabilities. He made three tackles and 3.3 interceptions per 90 minutes and recorded an assist. His tournament in the quarter-finals when he injured his collarbone but his performances easily earn him a spot here.

YOUSSOUF SABALY (LB): The Bordeaux defender proved to be a key cog in Senegal’s strong run to the finals. He showed good defensive prowess, recording two interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game.

CHEIKHOU KOUYATÉ (CB): The Crystal Palace midfielder was given a makeshift role at the start of the competition and exceeded all expectations, making 2.7 clearances and 1.6 tackles per game in what was an excellent partnership with Kalidou Koulibaly, who missed the final due to suspension. 

DJAMEL BENLAMRI (CB): He was arguably the best central defender of the tournament. Benlamri recorded 2.3 tackles per 90 minutes and also made 3.5 clearances per game. He also showed good aerial prowess, winning 1.3 aerial duels per game.

PETER ETEBO (DM): The Stoke City midfielder did a brilliant job of unsettling opposition attackers throughout the tournament with 2.1 tackles per game while showing a surprising ability to get past his man with 1.1 dribbles per 90. He was an important piece to Nigeria’s bronze medal win.

ADLÈNE GUEDIOURA (DM): Guedioura also made it his mission to unsettle the opposition with 3 tackles per 90 minutes and further backed it up with 1.3 interceptions per game. He also impressed in winning the ball in the air, completing 2.3 aerial duels won per 90 minutes.

ISMAEL BENNACER (CM): Bennacer deservedly was awarded player of the tournament. The Empoli man ran the show for the Fennec Foxes from deep with his excellent passing. He also contributed to the impressive scoring of his country with three assists, the joint-best tally in the competition. 

RIYAD MAHREZ (RW): The Algerian captain offered goals which helped his side to win their first Afcon trophy since 1990. Mahrez scored a total of three goals in this competition, only Odion Ighalo got more goals. 

SADIO MANE (LW): The Liverpool attacker missed the first game but settled in quickly after coming back to the side, offering much-needed goals for the Lions of Teranga. Mane also terrorized defences with his dribbling ability, completing 3.8 per game.

ODION IGHALO (ST): He was undoubtedly the obvious choice for this spot. He finished as top scorer in qualification and carried that form into this tournament. He scored a total of five goals, at least two more than any other player and deservedly went home with the golden boot.

--