What. A. Tournament! AFCON 2023 is finally over, and congratulations to the Ivorians for one of the greatest in-tournament turnarounds. That said, let’s celebrate some of the standout players the tournament gave us. **Goal-Keeper: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)** This was no simple decision. Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali had an equally excellent tournament and, for some, was the best goalie at this tournament. When both goalies met in the semi-final between South Africa and Nigeria, Nwabali outshone him as he saved two penalties to send the Super Eagles to the finals. However, Ronwen Williams surpasses him by the narrowest of margins. His clean sheet in the 3rd place match, marking a tournament-high 5 in 7 games, proved sufficient to secure him the official Goalkeeper of the Tournament award. Additionally, his heroic performance in the shootout victory over Cape Verde in the quarter-final, where he saved 4 penalties, etched his name in history as the first goalkeeper in AFCON history to achieve this feat.
**Right Back: Ola Aina (Nigeria)** Like many other Nigerian players, Ola Aina had a final to forget. However, before then, he had played brilliantly all tournament. The Nottingham Forest full-back had an excellent run of 6 games where he was arguably the best defender at the tournament. He was a sturdy piece for the Nigeria national football team that kept 4 clean sheets and was equally a vital piece to the attack. He provided Victor Osimhen with 7 scoring chances, the most by one player to his teammate since the 2013 AFCON when Burkina Faso’s Charles Kaboré created nine chances for Aristide Bancé. So, while many might remember his poor performance at the final, the 6 games in which he was borderline flawless means he’s our pick at right back.
**Left-Back: Aubrey Modiba (South Africa)** Mamelodi Sundowns’ Aubrey Modiba was the standout left back at the just concluded AFCON 2023, though DR Congo’s Arthur Masuaku might have a thing or two to say about that. Modiba ranked fifth in tackles per game (3.3) and played a pivotal role in the success of the Bafana Bafana side, which heavily relied on its defensive strength throughout the tournament. Last week, Modiba, whose contract with Sundowns was set to expire in 2025, was granted a two-year extension by the club, signalling their intention to secure his services for the foreseeable future.
**Center-Backs: William Troost-Ekong & Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)** It’s understandable to feel that Semi Ajayi deserves recognition, considering his role in Nigeria’s back-three, but William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey make this team ahead of him. Troost-Ekong was a rock for Nigeria, and it was no surprise he was named the Player of the Tournament. Troost-Ekong contributed on both ends of the pitch, preventing goals in defense, thanks to his 3.8 clearances per game, and providing goals in attack. Having scored twice in the 2019 edition of the AFCON, his 3 goals in this edition, which took his tally to 5, saw him become the highest scoring defender in AFCON history, surpassing the previous record of 4 goals set by the late great Stephen Keshi. Calvin Bassey, meanwhile, was a menace to attackers and averaged 2.7 tackles per game. At just 24 years old, Bassey will remain a household name in Nigerian football for years to come.
**Midfielder: Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)** Yoane Wissa spearheaded an underrated DR Congo team to a semi-final appearance, surpassing many expectations. His two goals merely scratch the surface of his contribution to the team and their remarkable achievements. Amidst a backdrop of political turmoil back home, the Congolese players had to balance their personal and professional responsibilities every time they stepped onto the pitch. With Wissa at the helm, DR Congo navigated these challenges admirably.
**Midfielder: Seko Fofana (Ivory Coast)** In what was a chaotic but magical run to the AFCON title, Seko Fofana was a standout player for Cote d’Ivoire. The Al-Nassr midfielder was their best player in a disappointing group stage run, and he continued his fine displays in the knock stage. Tasked with a more attacking role than he normally would have, he returned a modest 1 goal and 1 assist. However, Fofana was at the heart of their resilient displays in the knock-out. Going forward: [Bet on Seko Fofana’s Al-Nassr and other Saudi Pro League games here](https://m.betking.com/sports/events/prematch/football/saudi-arabia/professional-league)
**Midfielder: José Machín (Equatorial Guinea)** Fans will always remember Equatorial Guinea’s Emilio Nsue, the man who emerged from nowhere to clinch the AFCON golden boot with five goals. However, let’s not overlook the man who provided the chances for that team. José Machín provided an assist in every group stage game as the Equatorial Guineans netted nine goals. His three assists were sufficient to place him jointly at the top of the assists chart.
**Forward: Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast)** Simon Adingra was named the Young Player of the Tournament in recognition of his outstanding performance throughout the AFCON, despite starting just 2 games. The Brighton & Hove winger proved to be a constant threat to fullbacks, averaging 1.8 successful dribbles per game, while also showcasing his creativity by providing 13 key passes for his teammates. In the final, he delivered two assists and consistently tormented Nigeria’s Ola Aina. As a result, he was awarded the Man of the Match title as the Ivorians secured their 3rd AFCON title. Based on what we saw from him, there’s little doubt that under the right guidance, Adingra can grow to become one of the best footballers in the world. **Bet of the Day:**
**Forward: Gelson Dala (Angola)** Gelson Dala netted 4 goals in 5 games as the Angolans reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years. Dala’s 0.45 goals per game for the Angolan national team is the second best in the country’s history and he’s a player to watch out for ahead of next year’s AFCON.
**Forward: Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea)** 5 goals from 5 shots on target is a level of clinical finishing legendary forward, Gerd Muller would be proud of. Nsue, who typically plays as a fullback and competes in the third tier of Spanish football, emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by clinching the Golden Boot with his exceptional performance in the group stage. His hat-trick against Ivory Coast marked the first in the AFCON in 16 years, and he also set a record as the oldest player to score three goals in a single game in the tournament’s history. Although he missed a penalty against Guinea in the Round of 16, finishing with five goals from five shots on target is still an impressive feat. [Bet on Emilio Nsue and his club (CF Intercity) on BetKing](https://m.betking.com/sports/events/prematch/football/spain/primera-federacion)
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