The ideal lineup for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, hosted by Ivory Coast from January 13th to February 11th, saw the absence of Arab players.
With the furthest Arab representation reaching the Round of 16, where Egypt exited the tournament against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritania bowed out to Cape Verde, and Morocco fell to South Africa.
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🇬🇶 X1السيدات والسادة.. إليكم التشكيلة المثالية لكأس الأمم الإفريقية 2023! 🌟#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/2f2IjOY8xM
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The optimal lineup was composed as follows:
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (South Africa).
Defenders: Ghislain Konan (Ivory Coast), Chancel Mbemba (Democratic Republic of Congo), William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria), Ola Aina (Nigeria).
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa), Franck Kessié (Ivory Coast), Jean Michaël Seri (Ivory Coast).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria), Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea), Yoane Wissa (Democratic Republic of Congo).
Emirés Faye, considered the best coach in the tournament, led the Ivory Coast national team to victory despite initial skepticism.
Ivory Coast clinched the championship title in the 34th edition by defeating Nigeria in the final match.
The absence of Arab players in the optimal lineup reflects the varying performances of Arab teams in the tournament.
While some Arab nations showcased competitive spirits, they were ultimately unable to secure a spot in the ideal lineup.
The Africa Cup of Nations continues to be a platform for showcasing the diverse talents of African footballers across the continent.
