The just concluded Africa Cup of Nations showcased some thrilling footballing talent from across the continent. As the dust settles on the tournament, it’s time to reflect on the standout performers who graced the pitch and left a lasting impression on fans worldwide.

Here’s a breakdown of my Team of the Tournament:

Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)

Ronwen Williams, the custodian for South Africa, proved to be a reliable presence between the sticks throughout the tournament. His shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box were instrumental in South Africa’s campaign.

The Bafana Bafana skipper won the Golden Glove award for keeping the most clean sheets in the tournament (5). He also caught the eye with a number of spectacular penalty saves, including four in a single shootout to send his nation through to the semis.

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (South Africa), William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria), Evan N’dicka (Cote D’Ivoire), Ghislain Konan (Côte D’Ivoire)

The defensive lineup boasts a blend of solidity and flair. Mudau and Konan provided attacking impetus and defensive solidity from the full-back positions, whist Troost-Ekong and N’dicka form a formidable partnership at the heart of the defence.

Troost-Ekong was named Player of the Tournament for his displays at the heart of the Super Eagles defence as well as his goalscoring prowess (netting three time). N’dicka meanwhile shone on the left hand side of the host’s defence, showcasing strength, composure, and tactical awareness.

Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Nigeria), Franck Kessie (Cote D’Ivoire), Seko Fofana (Cote D’Ivoire)

In midfield, the trio of Onyeka, Kessie, and Fofana dictated the tempo of their respective teams’ performances. Onyeka’s tenacity and ball-winning skills was evident throughout Nigeria’s run to the final.

Combine that with Kessie’s box-to-box dynamism and Fofana’s creative spark and you have the perfect cocktail in midfield dominance. All three played their parts for their nations, with the duo of Kessie and Fofana providing light at the end of a bleal tunnel for Ivory Coast who looked dead and buried in the group stages.

Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea), Gelson Dala (Angola)

The attacking trio of Lookman, Nsue, and Dala lit up the tournament with their individual brilliance. Lookman’s pace and trickery on the wing was the perfect foil for the hardworking battering ram that is Victor Osimhen.

Lookman was involved in the most goals for Nigeria (4) and led the tournament for chances created (14). Nsue’s predatory instincts in front of goal saw him finish as the tournament’s topscorer with 5 goals in just 4 matches.

Dala’s flair and ability to unlock defences meanwhile showcased the diverse attacking talent on display throughout the AFCON. Dala was the pick of a vibrant Angola front three that comprised of Mabululu and Gilberto.

This AFCON Team of the Tournament represents a blend of individual excellence and collective teamwork. These players have not only left an indelible mark on the tournament but have also showcased the rich footballing talent that Africa has to offer.

As we look ahead to future competitions, one can only anticipate more moments of magic and brilliance from the continent’s footballing stars. A huge congratulations to Côte D’Ivoire for hosting and winning this year’s edition.