African Cup of Nations 2008 in Review pt.1 - Best XI

Thats it. Egypt.

As Mohamed Aboutreika gracefully slid the ball past Idriss Carlos Kameni and bowed his head down onto Accra's turf in measured jubilation, the fervent multitude of people gripped by the 2008 African Cup of Nations were presented their answer to the ultimate question, the one that had nagged away at them for weeks. Yes, it is Egypt that win the tournament, and they rightly take home both the plaudits and of course the trophy. Theirs was a style of football that wholesomely reaffirmed their status as Africa's finest, having already demonstrated so in 2006, and as a nation whose credentials went rather ignored in the buildup to the competition while bookmakers and journalists (myself included) talked up other candidates, Hassan Shehata's men went on to prove that when it comes to the Cup of Nations, the Pharaohs remain the dominant force in Africa.

That is how it ended. However as is often the case, and not just in football, we do not always define matters by the way in which they end. The journey, with all its highs and lows, plays just as much a part in characterising an event as the manner in which it concludes. And so, while Egypt gloriously lifting their trophy for the sixth time will rightly live long as one of the abiding memories of the 2008 Cup of Nations there remain many other lasting memories of what has been an excellent competition. As we look at the tournament in review, we intend to revisit some of the moments, players and other elements that made this competition such an overwhelming success. Starting with the Team of the Tournament.

It can often be difficult to choose a Best XI in competitions like this. With a number of worthy candidates it can sometimes prove hard to find a balance. There are the players that through fine performances emerge from relative obscurity and make a name for themselves on the big stage, and then there are the well-known, already established stars who continue to do what they do best. With so many high quality performers over the three weeks, I therefore present two teams, one being what I consider the Best XI, the other a 2nd XI for those I feel cannot be ignored. A team of players worthy of honourable mention, but that narrowly miss out on the Best XI. You may agree or disagree with my choices. If so, do let me know. I am particularly keen to hear just which side you think would win in a head-to-head clash between the 1st and 2nd XI. So without further ado:

Team of the tournament:

Essam EL-HADARI (Egypt)

The best goalkeepers possess the ability to not only make saves, but also inspire confidence in the defenders in front of them. This aura they create breeds a collective sense of composure and vastly contributes to the cohesiveness of the defence as a unit. In El-Hadari, Egypt have a keeper that offers both these attributes. Commanding his area like a general, he demonstrated not only remarkable agility but also the organisational skills that helped keep the Pharaohs tight at the back.

Njitap GEREMI (Cameroon)

Showed that, despite his fairly indifferent form for Newcastle United this season, he remains a talented player with robust qualities. Strong in the tackle, positionally aware and defensively sound, Geremi also weighed in with two fine goals from free-kicks. Employed by coach Otto Pfister as a right back, the Cameroon international was also given mandate to get forward and support attacks, and he very capably found the right balance between defence and attack.

Wael GOMAA (Egypt)

Part of a strong Egyptian defence, the centre back was a key figure in thwarting opposition forays into dangerous areas and displayed strength both in the air and along the ground. In Manucho, Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o (twice) he came up against some of the tournament’s finest strikers, but held his own in each game and largely kept them at bay.

Arthur BOKA (Côte d'Ivoire)

An outstanding performer at left back for Côte d’Ivoire, Arthur Boka was arguably the most consistent player in the whole competition. See our upcoming Good Player Guide for more.

Abdelkader KEITA (Côte d'Ivoire)

Good vision and awareness, blessed with pace, direct, skilful and also remarkably well-built for a player in his position, Kader Keita’s exertions in Ghana were almost as impressive as his celebration after scoring against Guinea. Another of Côte d’Ivoire’s star performers, he formed an impressive partnership with Emanuel Eboue down the Elephants’ right hand side, and the former Lille man will no doubt be an important player for Olympique Lyonnais as they look to register their seventh consecutive league title.

Yaya TOURE (Côte d'Ivoire)

Until Côte d’Ivoire’s capitulation against Egypt in the semi-finals, Yaya Toure was widely considered the tournament’s all round best player. An almighty presence for his side at the heart of midfield, the Barcelona star drove the team on as both creator and destructor – providing assists, winning tackles and even popping up to score the odd goal. In the end both he and his side hit an Egyptian brick wall, but as one of the tournament’s most exceptional performers, he goes back to Catalunya with head held high.

Michael ESSIEN (Ghana)

What more can be said of Michael Essien that has not been said already? As energetic and influential as ever, the Ghanaian powerhouse once again proved his status as one of the world’s finest midfielders. He weighed in with two goals at crucial times. He was forced to fill in at centre back after John Mensah’s sending off against Nigeria, and did so as if he had played there all his life. As a midfield presence he was sorely missed against Cameroon and indeed had he played there such a tight game may have had a different outcome. Simply immense, and the reason my Best XI has gone 3-5-2. He can always fill in at centre back if needed!

Mohamed ABOUTREIKA (Egypt)

It was perhaps fitting that Mohamed Aboutreika would score the winning goal in this year’s competition (for the second Cup of Nations running might I add). A quite brilliant tournament for a quite brilliant player. See Good Player Guide for more.

Hosni ABD RABOU (Egypt)

The most fitting tribute one could offer to this midfield marauder is that, when announced by officials as the Player of the Tournament, the disapproving grumbles were conspicuous by their absence. No-one could have any complaints. He ran tirelessly, incessantly tracked back and harassed opponents, broke up play – some of the last ditch tackles he made against Côte d’Ivoire almost defied physics, threaded intricate passes and scored goals. A joy to watch, he made a thoroughly impressive contribution both to his team and to the competition in general.

Manucho GONCALVES (Angola)

When Manchester United plucked this 24-year old striker from the relative obscurity of the Girabola (Angolan Premier League) many wondered why. After seeing him in action, United’s basic premise is now quite clear. He offers something quite unlike anything the Premiership champions currently have upfront – a genuine targetman. Capable with both feet and boasting extraordinary ability in the air, his four goals in Ghana mark him down as a very promising player. Though he occasionally drifted out of games, often due to tight marking and lack of service, he remained a threat whenever on the ball, as demonstrated by his goal of the tournament contender against Egypt.

Amr ZAKI (Egypt)

Though he started quietly, Amr Zaki’s level of performance rose as the competition progressed and by the end there was clear evidence that he had grown into the role as Egypt’s focal point upfront. His individual display against Côte d’Ivoire was a particular highlight, with Zaki manfully brushing off the Elephants’ physical backline and scoring two quality goals. At 23 and with several impressive attributes, one imagines a move to Europe could be on the cards in the not too distant future.

2nd XI

Idriss Carlos KAMENI (Cameroon)
Ahmed FATHI (Egypt)
Danny SHITTU (Nigeria)
Andre BIKEY (Cameroon)
Taye TAIWO (Nigeria)
Razak OMOTOYOSSI (Benin)
Alexandre SONG (Cameroon)
ZE KALANGA (Angola)
Samuel ETO'O (Cameroon)
Yassine CHIKHAOUI (Tunisia)
Didier DROGBA (Côte d'Ivoire)

My question to you is, who would win?