7 of the best players we saw at 2019 Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria ultimately won the trophy, having bettered every team in the competition, before recording a hard-fought win over Senegal in the final.

Although Algeria’s win was the biggest talking point, we cannot ignore the individual players who distinguished themselves during the tournament.

Pulse Sports, therefore, brings you the 7 best players we saw at the 2019 AFCON:

1. Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal)

Kalidou Koulibali was a pillar in the defence of Senegal Pulse Ghana

Senegal may not have won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but Kalidou Koulibaly certainly made his presence felt.

The Napoli defender came into the tournament with huge hopes and truly lived up to his reputation as one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Not only was Koulibaly a leader in the side, he also played an instrumental role as the Teranga Lions made it to the final of the competition, where they lost to Algeria. He delivered timely tackles, read the game well and was generally an assured presence at the heart of defence.

2. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Mahrez captained Algeria to their 2nd AFCON title Pulse Ghana

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez needs no introduction, but the winger’s reputation in the national team was suspect, prior to the AFCON.

The Manchester City man, however, cleared all doubts after captaining the Desert Foxes to win a second continental title.

Mahrez was the team’s main catalyst for attacks, and his superb free-kick goal against Nigeria in the semi-final was one of the best strikes at the AFCON. In a tournament where some star players failed to shine, Mahrez stood out by keeping things simple and playing to the team’s strengths.

3. Odion Ighalo (Nigeria)

Odion Ighalo was the top scorer at AFCON 2019 Pulse Ghana

Nigeria’s impressive run at the 2019 AFCON was more down to a collective effort than individual brilliance from the players.

But if there was one Super Eagles player whose performance could not be ignored, then it was definitely Odion Ighalo. The striker struck five times as Nigeria finished third at the tournament. He himself finished the tournament as top-scorer.

Ighalo was by far the best striker at the tournament, not just for his goals, but his linkup play and overall contribution were simply unmatched.

4. Rais M’bolhi (Algeria)

Rais M’bolhi was the best goalkeeper during the 2019 AFCON Pulse Ghana

Maybe the race for best player during the AFCON was close, but in terms of the goalkeeper department, none really neared Rais M’bolhi.

The Algeria goalkeeper was as key as any of the outfield players, as the Desert Foxes romped to the AFCON title.

His distribution was great, he made good saves and often bailed out his defenders on occasions they messed up. It was, therefore, no surprise that M’bolhi was named Best Goalkeeper at the 2019 AFCON.

5. Ismael Bennacer (Algeria)

Ismael Bennacer was adjudged Best Player at the 2019 AFCON Pulse Ghana

Algeria midfielder Ismael Bennacer was named Most Valuable Player at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt and rightly so.

The 21-year-old was the team’s main driving force in midfield, displaying great vision and an eye for the final pass.

Bennacer was one of the reasons why Algeria went unbeaten and it is no surprise that he was snapped up by Serie A giants AC Milan after the tournament.

6. Yassine Meriah (Tunisia)

Yassine Meriah was one of the standout performers at the AFCON Pulse Ghana

Tunisia was one of the surprise packages during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), just as their defender Yassine Meriah.

The well-built centre-back gave attackers a tough time throughout the tournament, with his masterclass against Ghana in the round of 16 standing out for mention.

Meriah contributed with timely interceptions and air-ball clearances as Tunisia finished fourth at the tournament.

7. Idrissa Gana Gueye (Senegal)

Idrissa Gana earned plaudits for his gallant displays in the middle of the park Pulse Ghana

Just like Ismael Bennacer, Idrissa Gana Gueye was one of the stars of the 2019 AFCON. The defensive midfielder completely stole the show during the tournament with his timed tackles and domination of the midfield.

Gana protected the Senegal back four very well and rightly earned plaudits for his gallant displays in the middle of the park. Being named in the AFCON team of the tournament was the least he deserved.

Gana went on to secure a big-money move to French side Paris Saint Germain following his fine displays at the AFCON.