AFCON 2023: Mohammed Kudus, Emilio Nsue and the Best Five Players of the Group Stages

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group stage wrapped up on January 24
• A host of players have indeed left their mark on the showpiece so far
• Sports Brief takes a look at the best players of the tournament’s group stage

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continues to take shape, and the final 16 teams set to compete for the title in the knockout rounds have been confirmed.

A multitude of players poured their hearts out on the pitch, representing their nations with passion and dedication. While some fell short in their efforts, others are currently basking in the satisfaction of securing their team's passage to the highly anticipated knockout phase of the competition.

Now that the dust has settled on the Africa Cup of Nations group stages, and with the thrilling knockout fixtures on the horizon, Sports Brief takes a closer look at the standout performers, highlighting the top five players who shone during the group stage matches.

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Football

Mohammed Kudus

Despite Ghana's disappointing AFCON outing, the outstanding performance of Mohammed Kudus shines through.

The 23-year-old, who featured only twice for the Black Stars, managed to score two goals and completed the third-highest number of dribbles – eight so far at the tournament.

In all fairness, Kudus deserved a more favourable ending to his 2023 AFCON journey. Nevertheless, the forward's undeniable skills and prowess have earned him a spot on our list.

Emilio Nsue

The Mercurial Equatoguinean forward has been one of the brightest sparks for Juan Micha’s side.

The 34-year-old Inter City star played a pivotal role in securing the top spot for the Nzalang Nacional in a challenging group that included the host nation and Nigeria's Super Eagles.

His impressive record includes scoring five goals in three games. Notably, Nsue stands out as one of the only two players to have won multiple Player of the Match awards (two) in the tournament thus far.

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Football

Achraf Hakimi

The 25-year-old versatile fullback consistently demonstrates his significance whenever he takes the field for the Atlas Lions of Morocco. The PSG star played a crucial role in ensuring Walid Regragui's side secured qualification from their group, contributing with a goal and an assist. Hakimi also shares the distinction with Nsue as the second player to have been named Player of the Match twice in the tournament so far.

Lamine Camara

Lamine Camara also makes our list of best players at the AFCON so far. The youngster has continued to showcase his exceptional abilities throughout the competition.

The Senegalese sensation played a pivotal role in securing a victory for Aliou Cisse's side with his brace against Gambia and has continued to impress in the midfield and is successfully ahead of veteran midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate in the pecking order for the defending AFCON champions.

Jesus Owono

The 22-year-old shot-stopper can be regarded as the goalkeeper of the tournament so far. His exceptional saves and impressive ball-playing skills have played a crucial role in his country's success in the competition. According to data from WhoScored, the Alaves goalkeeper made 10 saves across his three group-stage matches and also contributed with an assist in his side's victory against Guinea Bissau.

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Football

Nigeria gets timely AFCON boost

Sports Brief in another report stated the Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a well-timed boost ahead of their AFCON clash against Cameroon.

The three-time Cup of Nations winners welcome the return of midfielder star Alhassan Yusuf, who had previously suffered an injury during the AFCON fixture against Equatorial Guinea in the West African nation.

Yusuf's return coincides with the comeback of team vice-captain Williams Troost Ekong.