The 2019 U23 Africa Cup of Nations came to a thrilling conclusion on Friday, with host nation Egypt lifting the trophy after a hard-fought tournament. Beyond the team success, several individual performances stood out, and CAF honored the standout players by naming the tournament’s official Best XI.
Egypt and Ivory Coast, the two finalists, naturally dominated the lineup, reflecting their excellent campaigns. From Egypt, Ramadan Sobhi, who was awarded the Best Player of the tournament, earned his spot for his creativity and leadership on the field. Forward Mostafa Mohamed, the top scorer, also featured, having terrorized defenses with his clinical finishing. Additionally, Shawky Gharib, Egypt’s coach, was recognized as the Best Coach, praised for his tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players throughout the competition.
Ivory Coast, despite falling short in the final, had several players acknowledged for their outstanding performances. Youssouf Dao, who scored two goals in the tournament, was included for his attacking prowess and consistency. Defender Yves Dabila anchored the Ivorian defense with authority, proving his dominance and composure at the back throughout the competition.
Rounding out the Best XI were standout players from other nations. South Africa’s Repo Mapele impressed with his versatility and energy, while Ghanaian Evans Mensah contributed significantly to Ghana’s attacking efforts, demonstrating pace and skill on the wings.
The selection highlights the balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity across the tournament. Egypt’s dominance is reflected not only in their trophy win but also in the number of their players recognized, underscoring their strength in depth and the talent nurtured at the youth level. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast’s presence in the Best XI confirms the quality and competitiveness of their squad, who posed a constant challenge to all opponents.
CAF’s announcement of the Best XI not only celebrates individual excellence but also offers a glimpse of the future stars of African football. These players have shown they are ready to take the next step into senior football, and their performances at the U23 AFCON have likely caught the eyes of scouts and clubs across the continent and beyond.
In summary, the 2019 U23 Africa Cup of Nations not only crowned Egypt as champions but also produced a talented and diverse Best XI, blending emerging stars from multiple countries. Ramadan Sobhi, Mostafa Mohamed, Youssouf Dao, Yves Dabila, Repo Mapele, and Evans Mensah represent the finest performers, while coach Shawky Gharib’s recognition caps a tournament full of excitement, skill, and promise for African football’s next generation.
