Russia 2018: African players with outstanding performance

Not easy to establish a team-type after a World Cup so dramatic for the continent.

Nevertheless, several players of the 5 African representatives have managed to make their mark and in the end, Afrinik is proud to present its model team of the World Cup 2018.

Munir Mohand (Morocco)
He did not have a lot of work but, each time, the goalkeeper had the merit of answering present in realizing the decisive stop that kept his team alive.

We think of his double parade on the Iranian counter before half-time or at this stop in front of Guedes against Portugal (0-1). And then difficult to blame him anything on the 4 goals conceded by Morocco.

Victor Moses (Nigeria)
Probably the most regular Nigerian on this World Cup. Against Croatia (0-2), he was the only Super Eagle to try to sound the revolt but he lacked support.

Again very active against Iceland (2-0), he distilled a decisive pass for Musa. A little more in trouble against Argentina (1-2), the right piston Chelsea still sign a big riot of energy with salvating returns in defense and the goal of the 1-1 penalty.

Mehdi Benatia (Morocco)
Highly anticipated, the central defender held his rank by delivering solid performances against Iran and Portugal (two defeats 1-0), the goals conceded not being his responsibility.

As a good captain, the Moroccan has not hesitated to exceed his function to bring the danger to the forefront. In vain… He was then left to rest for the game without stake against Spain.

Salif Sane (Senegal)
The big surprise of this team-type. Kara Mbodj just recovered from a long recovery, Aliou Cisse preferred him the versatile central defender Hannover 96 and it has fully restored his confidence by completing three very clean matches, like his 100% of duels won against Japan (12 of 12).

His future club, Schalke 04, is holding a very interesting rookie.

Youssouf Sabaly (Senegal)
Despite the elimination of the Lions, the left side out of a World very noticed. Strong in his lane and ubiquitous in the laundry, he for example completely muzzled Cuadrado in the match against Colombia (0-1).

Moreover, the Lions folded when he was no longer there, on the corner following his outing on injury… Huge against Japan, the Bordeaux is decisive on the two goals scored by his team (2-2). Decidedly as good on the right as on the left!

Nordin Amrabat (Morocco)
Aligned as a right-back against Iran and then a notch above, the versatile Moroccan impressed his combativity: a victim of a concussion, he played in the next match, throwing his helmet in full! It is he who has often taken matters into his own hands and initiated the actions of his selection.

A huge commitment, sometimes excessive (remember, these scratches on the belly of Raphael Guerreiro), who deserved to be rewarded by a goal but he found the bar against Spain.

Oghenekaro Etebo (Nigeria)
The unfortunate goal against his side against Croatia, the midfielder then put his head to the place to pull his pin in the game in a Nigerian midfield where captain John Obi Mikel was disappointed. His percussion quality hurt Argentina.

Gana Gueye (Senegal)
A very good world for the midfielder, very active in the recovery or construction with the culmination of his XXL benefit against Colombia.

He is the one who gets the shot that leads to the Cionek CSC against Poland (2-1), the first goal of Senegal in Russia.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Let things be clear, we expected more from Pharaoh and his World Cup was obviously marred by his shoulder injury. This one led him to miss the first match, and in the wake, it is all his selection which took the water. Still, even diminished, the Liverpool winger confirmed that he was the only one able to wake up Egypt offensively, initiating most of the actions. Rather disappointing in the game but very correct in terms of stats (2 goals in 2 games). Scorer on a penalty that he got himself against Russia (1-3) then author of a small dive mastered against Saudi Arabia (1-2).

Wahbi Khazri (Tunisia)
Preserved during preparation for the World Cup, the Rennais missed his start against the English (1-2) but the attacking midfielder proved irreproachable thereafter with each time a goal and a decisive pass against Belgium (2). -5) then Panama (2-1). A real captain with a capital importance in the game of Tunisia.

Ahmed Musa (Nigeria)
He started the World Cup as a substitute, but the Nigerian striker quickly recovered his position. Raised against Iceland (2-0), the Super Eagle has made everyone agree by signing a double that has given hope to his country while making him the 3rd highest scorer in Africa world Cup history.

Against Argentina again, its qualities of speed and percussion fired against it.

They could have been part of this team: Francis Uzoho (Nigeria), Leon Balogun (Nigeria), Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (Tunisia), Mbaye Niang (Senegal).

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