The AFCON 2021 curtain is down, and all we’re left with is settling the score. Naming the best of best, those distinguished individuals that deserve nothing but standing ovation for the display at the continental championship.Many journalists and pundits have spoken, but there’s only one official Best XI. Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the Team of the Tournament via their social media. Albeit there’s no further info on criteria for the starting XI and 11 subs, we can say there’s not much to argue about the names listed here. So let’s start…Goalkeeper: EDOUARD MENDY (Senegal)The Senegalese and Chelsea custodian was named the tournament’s best keeper ahead of Cameroon’s Andre Onana. Some would say Gabaski deserved to be there, but along with Mane, Mendy deserves the most credit for the first-ever AFCON title in the Lions of Teranga showcase.📩 You’ve got a message from the World’s best. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #SENEGY | #TeamSenegal | @Fsfofficielle pic.twitter.com/Hjs2786rMz— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) February 7, 2022 Centre-back: MOHAMED ABDELMONEM (Egypt)Despite missing one penalty in the final’s shootout and committing a fault that led to Sadio Mane’s early spot-kick, Abdelmonem has been chosen as one of the two centre-backs. Just two conceded goals in seven games prove the Pharaohs’ defence, guided by Abdelmonem, was immaculate.Centre- back: EDMOND TAPSOBA (Burkina Faso)The Stallions are probably the biggest surprise of the tournament, and two of their players in the Best XI should not be considered lost. Tapsoba, especially, for his excellent speed, strength, passing ability, and composure. His time is yet to come, but he’s already showing some class.Right-back: ACHRAF HAKIMI (Morocco) PSG full-back demonstrated his splendid set of skills once again. Morocco couldn’t pass by the Pharaohs in the quarter-finals, but Hakimi was exquisite as expected. Too bad he was not accompanied by Ziech, so the Atlas Lions would maybe reach some further stages of the AFCON.Achraf Hakimi has scored back-to-back free-kicks at #AFCON2021 He’s the first person to score two free-kicks in a single Afcon tournament since 2008 🤯 pic.twitter.com/XeZNnwVCGD— GOAL (@goal) January 25, 2022 Left-back: SALIOU CISS (Senegal)One of four Lions of Teranga in the Best XI. The veteran’s first cap came back in 2014, but even now, aged 32, he was there for his national side when they needed him the most. Confident and determined, he paired up with Mane on the left flank and is deservedly in this elite crew.Defensive midfielder: NAMPALYS MENDY (Senegal)Albeit he hasn’t played a single minute in this Premier League campaign for Leicester City so far, he had an impeccable tournament in Cameroon. He poured in necessary stability and composure to his side, deserving the credit for fantastic ball fluidity and control of the rhythm.Right midfielder: MOHAMED ELNENY (Egypt)We might disagree with this choice, but it doesn’t mean Arsenal midfielder had a lousy tournament. Like his Pharaohs’ teammate Salah, he was a bit isolated in the attack. However, a defence-oriented slot needed that sort of Elneny’s engagement, and he lived up to expectations.A tough one to takeWell battled, @Elnenny ❤️#AFCON2021— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 7, 2022 Left midfielder: BLATI TOURE (Burkina Faso)The 27-year-old has started all five of his country’s games in Cameroon and set up the winning goal in the quarter-final victory over Tunisia. He has been named as man of the match in three of Burkina Faso’s games at the AFCON. Toure earned himself a move to the Egyptian side Pyramids.Right-wing: MOHAMED SALAH (Egypt)One will argue why Mo, but the fact he scored two goals from an open play and was runners-up best player, speaks for its own. He was forced to face a bunch of defenders almost alone. Not a single sign of tiredness despite hours and hours of formidable football. We salute you!It’s not the titles that make you a champion but what you carry underneath that shirt. Mo’s a living proofLeft-wing: SADIO MANE (Senegal)Who else than MVP? Liverpool forward deserves all the praise for giving that vital push to the Lions of Teranga in their successful quest for the AFCON title. He was terrific from a maiden game, all the way to that decisive, trophy-worth penalty. This was Sadio’s leap of magic.The TotalEnergies Man of the Competition has got a message for you. 🤙SADIOOOOO MANÉ!#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #SENEGY | #TeamSenegal | @Fsfofficielle | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/c7Amg2URLn— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) February 7, 2022 Striker: VINCENT ABOUBAKAR (Cameroon)The AFCON 2021 Golden Boot. The Al Nassr poacher scored eight goals to power the host to a third-place finish, which is the second-best individual performance in terms of goals scored in the AFCON history. In the bronze medal game, he rounded off the race with a brace against Burkina Faso.##EDITORS_CHOICE##*Subs: Andre Onana (Cameroon), Collins Fai (Cameroon), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal), Mahmoud Hamdy (Egypt), Ahmed Abo Elfetouh (Egypt), Andre Anguissa (Cameroon), Youssouf M’Changama (Comoros), Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso), Sofiane Boufal (Morocco), Toko Ekambi (Cameroon), Famara Diedhiou (Senegal)
