The curtain has fallen on what is being heralded as the most exhilarating TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations to date, with the 2023 edition in Cote d’Ivoire unfolding a narrative rich in drama, talent, and unforgettable football moments.
Amidst this backdrop of fierce competition and national pride, the Confédération Africaine de Football’s (CAF) Technical Study Group (TSG) has unveiled its Best XI, a dream team comprising the tournament’s standout performers who dazzled fans and onlookers with their exceptional skills and contributions on the field.
The host nation, Cote d’Ivoire, crowned as the new African champions in a gripping finale against Nigeria, sees three of its warriors—Ghislan Konan, Jean Michael Seri, and Franck Kessie—adorn the prestigious list.
Kessie, in particular, etched his name into the annals of AFCON history with a decisive goal that clinched the title for the Elephants in a packed Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
Nigeria, despite the heartbreak of narrowly missing out on glory, contributed three players to the dream team: Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, and Ademola Lookman, each of whom played pivotal roles throughout the tournament. Their resilience and skill were instrumental in propelling the Super Eagles to the final.
South Africa, the tournament’s surprise package, secured two spots in the Best XI through goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and midfielder Teboho Mokoena. Williams, in particular, made headlines with a historic performance, saving four penalties in a single match, a feat that underlined his status as one of the competition’s standout players.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, finishing in a commendable fourth place, saw Yoane Wissa and Chancel Mbemba making the cut, showcasing the depth of talent within the team.
Completing the dream team is Equatorial Guinea’s Emilio Nsue, whose attacking prowess and five goals made him the tournament’s top scorer, a remarkable achievement for a player whose team fell short of the semi-finals.
This Best XI not only reflects the individual brilliance of its members but also the collective spirit and the diverse footballing cultures across the African continent. As these players return to their clubs and countries, they carry not just the honor of being named among the tournament’s best but also the memories of a competition that captivated the world
Goalkeeper:
Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Defenders: Ola Aina (Nigeria), Ghislan Konan (Cote d’Ivoire), William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria), Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa), Jean Michael Seri (Cote d’Ivoire), Franck Kessie
Strikers: Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea)
