Ghana star Kudus shines to make AFCON Team of the Round
Mohammed Kudus shone on his first appearance of AFCON and he makes the team of the round from the second set of group games. The Ghana star is joined in the XI by representatives from Cape Verde, Morocco, Nigeria, Angola, Mauritania, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.
While Bebe's wonderstrike was the talking point from Cape Verde's 3-0 win over Mozambique, the experienced Vozinha was still on hand to put in a solid display between the sticks. The 37-year-old made two saves and claimed two high balls to return a WhoScored rating of 7.40.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) - 7.81
Achraf Hakimi scored his first goal of the tournament in Morocco's eventual 1-1 draw with DR Congo, netting with his only effort in the stalemate. The 25-year-old was unfortunate not to provide an assist having made three key passes while an additional three tackles saw him yield a WhoScored rating of 7.81.
Kialonda Gaspar (Angola) - 7.63
Angola held out for a 3-2 win at Mauritania over the weekend with Kialonda Gaspar key for the Black Sable Antelopes. Indeed, the 26-year-old won 13 aerial duels and made nine clearances to feature at the heart of the defence with a WhoScored rating of 7.63.
William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria) - 7.98
Partnering Gaspar at the back is Nigeria's William Troost-Ekong, who earned a WhoScored rating of 7.98 in their 1-0 win over Ivory Coast. The centre-back was decisive for the Super Eagles, netting a second half penalty to secure all the spoils for Jose Peseiro's side. The 30-year-old also made two tackles in the victory, one of which was a last man challenge, to secure his spot in the side.
Joao Paulo (Cape Verde) - 7.97
The second representative from Cape Verde rounds off the defence with Joao Paulo earning a WhoScored rating of 7.97. The 25-year-old was crucial in earning a clean sheet against Mozambique, making three tackles, three interceptions and three clearances to nail down the left-back spot.
While Mauritania were unable to get the better of Angola, Sidi Amar did all he could to help his nation to victory. The 25-year-old netted a first half equaliser for the Lions of Chinguetti, scoring with one of four shots, while additional returns of three dribbles and two key passes meant the winger was good value for his inclusion.
The star of the show in Ghana's 2-2 draw with Egypt, Mohammed Kudus netted twice for the Black Stars in the stalemate, getting the better of Mohamed El Shenawy with two of four shots. The 23-year-old also completed six dribbles in a stand out display that saw him return a WhoScored rating of 9.43.
Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) - 8.22
The first of two South Africa representatives in the XI, Teboho Mokoena joins Kudus in the middle of the park in the team of the round having garnered a WhoScored rating of 8.22 against Namibia. Mokoena provided the assist for Thapelo Maseko's 75th-minute strike, that coming from one of two key passes, while the 26-year-old also won three aerial duels as Bafana Bafana earned an impressive 4-0 win.
Aboubakary Koita (Mauritania) - 9.28
Aboubakary Koita features on the left flank having earned a WhoScored rating of 9.28 against Angola. Koita bagged Mauritania's second in the eventual 3-2 loss, hitting the back of the net with one of five shots. The 25-year-old was a nightmare for the Angola defence having completed seven dribbles and made three key passes in the Group D meeting.
Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea) - 9.59
With a WhoScored rating of 9.59, Equatorial Guinea forward Emilio Nsue is the Africa Cup of Nations player of the round. The 34-year-old struck with all three shots on goal in Equatorial Guinea's 4-2 win over Guinea-Bissau on Thursday afternoon, while two clearances, one tackle and one dribble capped a fine performance from Nsue.
Themba Zwane (South Africa) - 8.93
Completing the team of the round and partnering Nsue on the frontline is the second South Africa player in the XI. Themba Zwane bagged two of Bafana Bafana's four goals against Namibia, while the 34-year-old also completed two dribbles to secure his place in the side with a WhoScored rating of 8.93.
