MTNfootball.com’s Team Of The Tournament

The MTN Africa Cup of Nations has been resplendent with star performances from a wide variety of players, contributing to the excitement of the tournament in Ghana.

MTNfootball.com offers a run down of the best players in each position, but is this the best side from the tournament? Have your say…

GOALKEEPER:

Essam Al Hadari of Egypt battled with a niggling injury early on but has barely made an error throughout the tournament and his save to deny the Ivorians broke their spirit in Thursday’s semifinal.

DEFENDERS:

 
Shaven-headed Egyptian Wael Gomaa might not have the best pace in the game but sticks like glue to opposing attackers. His marking job of Didier Drogba made the former African Footballer of the Year look ordinary in the semifinal.

Ghana captain John Mensah’s absence from the semifinal against Cameroon was all too evident, highlighting the backbone role in played for the host nation.

Sabeur Ben Frej was brought in for Tunisia’s second group match and the flying full back proved French club Le Mans were astute in offering him a three year contract.

Yamba Asha has long been a key member of the Angola side but a drugs ban meant he missed out on the 2006 MTN Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup. His belated debut on the big stage proved how much he was missed.

MIDFIELDERS:

Hosni Ab Rabou is the engine room around which a highly efficient Egypt midfield has revolved this tournament.

Michael Essien’s driving force ensured Ghana progressed to the final but they missed him in the semifinal when he had to move to centre back.

Alexandre Song came into the tournament as an international rookie but leaves as a well-established name with his forceful role in Cameroon’s midfield.

Gneri Yaya Toure had a brilliant tournament again for Cote d’Ivoire, his imposing frame and work rate shining out for the Elephants.

STRIKERS:

Yassine Chikhaoui shown his versatility with pace, power and clinical finishing in the tournament, marking the Tunisian as a new star.

Angola striker Manucho’s shooting made for the spectacular but he was equally adept in the air.