Using Sofascore ratings, we analysed the best performers of the round using 3-4-3 formation.

Between the sticks, Vozinha of Cape Verde was the hero of the hour as the Blue Sharks trounced the Mambas of Mozambique with three unreplied goals at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The 37-year-old made two crucial saves, a punch, and two high claims for the Islanders.

Guinea’s Mouctar Diakhaby stood his ground against Gambia, as the Elephants defeated the Scorpions by a lone goal courtesy of a 69th-minute strike by Aguibou Camara. The right full-back had five clearances, one each for block, interception, and tackle. 

Sport-loving Nigerians must have William Troost-Ekong to thank for giving the Super Eagles maximum points against the hosts, Côte d’Ivoire. The PAOK centre-back scored a 55th-minute penalty goal against the Elephants, and made four clearances, along with two tackles and interceptions, which was a plus for the 30-year-old to make the team of the week.

Gambia’s Omar Colley did what he could for his team against the Mambas, but his beautiful display was not enough for the Scorpions.

Mohammed Kudus continued his fine Premier League form in AFCON, scoring a brace for the Black Stars of Ghana against the Pharaohs of Egypt in a 2-2 draw. Angola‘s Gelson Dala also bagged two goals for the Sable Antelopes in a 3-2 win against Mauritania. Both players charted their paths in the AFCON matchday two teams of the week. 

Omar Marmoush was among the players who gave his best for the Pharaohs, as they shared the spoils against their Ghanaian counterparts. The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder scored the 69th-minute goal that cancelled Kudus’ first-half goal. 

Emilio Nsue was the town’s song, as he scored a treble for Equatorial Guinea in a 4-2 win against Guinea-Bissau. It was the first hat-trick since the 2008 edition of the AFCON. The 34-year-old striker is now the joint-top scorer in the ongoing AFCON 2023.

| STAT ATTACK

Equatorial Guinea 4-1 Guinea-Bissau

Emilio Nsue becomes the first player to score a hattrick in AFCON since Morocco's Soufiane Alloidi against Namibia in January 2008, 5868 days ago.#EQGGNB#AFCONWithMIAS#AFCON2023 #CAN2023#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023

— Made In Africa Sport (@madeinafricaweb) January 18, 2024

While Mauritania’s Aboubakary Koita and Sidi Bouna scored in their 2-3 loss, their efforts weren’t enough. Their stellar performance earned them individual recognition in the team of the week, but it couldn’t save the day. In contrast, South Africa’s Themba Zwane enjoyed a triumphant day, scoring twice in their 4-0 demolition of Namibia.

AFCON 2023 Matchday 2 Team of The Week

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The reigning CAF Interclub Player of the Year winner headlines the Bafana Bafana squad that was announced by AFCON 2017 winning coach Hugo Broos on Thursday, 28 December.

Other important selections include Mamelodi Sundowns key players that enjoyed African Football League glory, such as Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena and star player, Themba Zwane.

The notable absence from the squad is Burnley striker Lyle Foster, after his club said mental health issues made it impossible for him to travel.

Foster had been named in the preliminary squad despite South Africa being told by Burnley that he would not be available.

He was sidelined by the Premier League club in November due to what they said was a recurrence of a mental health issue.

However, the 23-year-old returned to action on Dec. 16 against Everton, travelled to London for the win over Fulham last week, and started the Boxing Day game at home to Liverpool.

Hugo Broos said on Thursday that he was surprised Foster had played the second half of the home defeat by Everton and contacted Burnley coach Vincent Kompany.

“He explained to me that ‘Ok, he played 45 minutes but he wasn’t ready to travel,” Broos told a press conference as he named a 23-man squad. “There is still the danger that he could have the same problems he had two months ago.

“So our doctor had contact with the doctors at Burnley. I got the medical report where it stated it was impossible for Foster to be at Afcon and this is medical.”

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders: Grant Kekana, Terrence Mashego (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau, Mothobi Mvala (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport United)

Midfielders: Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thabang Monare (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Zakhele Lepasa, Evidence Makgopa (both Orlando Pirates), Thapelo Maseko (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Percy Tau (Al Ahly)

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