Bafana Bafana have earned recognition at the 2023 AFCON tournament, with two of its players being named to the official Team of the Tournament.
This prestigious selection acknowledges the outstanding individual performances of the two Bafana players throughout the competition.
CAF made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon with several top names making the team of the tournament that was held in Ivory Coast.
Bafana Bafana duo Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena have brought pride to South Africa by securing spots in the 2023 AFCON Team of the Tournament.
The 34th edition of the continental’s biggest football competition ended on Sunday, 11 February. The host nation, Ivory Coast, were crowned champions after defeating Nigeria 2-1 at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé in Abidjan.
RONWEN WILLIAMS AND TEBOHO MOKOENA NAMED IN THE 2023 AFCON TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT
The 2023 Golden Glove Award winner, Ronwen Williams, is the man in between the sticks. The Bafana Bafana skipper kept five clean sheets from seven matches. He only conceded three goals in the tournament.
Teboho Mokoena was placed in defensive midfield. The 27-year-old had a great campaign as he displayed great, consistent performances on the field play. He managed to score two goals and provided an assist in seven matches.
OTHER PLAYERS THAT WERE NAMED IN THE AFCON TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT
On the fullbacks, there is Nigeria’s Ola Aina on the right and Ghislain Konan of Ivory Coast on the left. Aina helped the team to keep four clean sheets in seven matches, while Konan assisted the hosts in keeping two clean sheets in seven matches.
In the heart of the defence [centre-backs] there is Player of the Tournament William Troost-Ekong of Nigeria and DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba. Troost-Ekong scored three goals and helped the team to keep four clean sheet, while Mbemba scored once, helped the team to keep two clean sheets and led his country to the fourth-place finish.
In the middle of the park, there in Jean Michael Seri of Ivory Coast. Seri played four matches, starting from the Last 16 to the final. Ivory Coast star Franck Kessie is the attacking midfielder behind the front line. The versatile midfielder scored two goals and provided an assist in seven matches.
DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa occupies the left wing, while Nigeria attacker Ademola Lookman is on the right wing. Wissa finished the tournament with two goals and an assist. Lookman netted three goals and turned provider once.
The main striker is Emilio Nsue of Equatorial Guinea. The 34-year-old was ruthless in front of goal, scoring five in four matches as they reached the Last 16.
To add, the Coach of the Tournament is Emerse Fae. He was in charge of four games from the Last 16 to the final. He led Ivory Coast to win the trophy after three wins and a draw.
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