The Mediterranean Knights of Libya beat the Black Stars of Ghana 4-3 on penalties to clinch the 2014 Africa Nations Championship in the finals played at Cape Town stadium on Saturday.
Despite winning just one game in open play, it’s unfair to say the North Africans did not deserve to be winners.
Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga closely followed all games in South Africa and picks his best performers including Uganda’s Yunus Sentamu among others.
Christantus Ejike (Nigeria): He was deservingly named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. The Nigeria number 7 was pivotal for the Super Eagles and looked the most creative path in Stephen Keshi’s side. Besides creating goals, the diminutive midfielder also bagged three goals.
Kudakwashe Mahachi (Zimbabwe): No wonder his exploits has earned him a deal at South Africa Premier Side Mamelodi Sundowns. Kuda as famously known by his team mates has been exceptional on both sides of the wings creating havoc for defenders. His goal against Mali in the quarters was amongst the contenders for the goal of the competition.
Danny Phiri (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe conceded only two goals in the campaign and when Coach Ian Gorowa was asked the secret behind his side’s excellent defending, he pointed at Danny Phiri. The defensive midfielder was a shield for the back four with well timed flying tackles and ball interceptions skills. He is a tireless midfielder who worked his socks off for his side.
Rabiu Ali (Nigeria): A confident play maker who thrived as one of the best 10s in the tournament. The Kano Pillars’ star displayed maturity on the ball and was calm and collected. Besides creating chances for his team mates, Rabiu also bagged three goals with his half volley against Morocco in the semis one of the tournament’s best.
Mohammed Elgardi (Libya): He was the heart and soul of the Libyan side. His exploits in the centre of the pack for Libya was key especially in the last two games where he won all midfield battles. A brilliant ball winner and distributor as well.
Jordan Opoku (Ghana): He was the captain of the Black Stars at the tournament. Opoku is a brilliant midfielder whose leadership skills guided his side to a silver medal in South Africa. A midfield gem of sorts.
Ibourahima Sidibe (Mali): He was one of the few experienced Malians on the CHAN team. He is also a permanent fixture on the senior team and his display in South Africa was testimony to that. He scored crucial goals for Mali including the winner against Nigeria in the group stages.
Mouhssine Moutaquali (Morocco): A beast in a central striker. He scored three goals crucial goals for the Atlas Lions including a brace against Nigeria in the semis plus his side’s second against Uganda Cranes in the last group B game. He has pace, power, skill and lethal in front of goal.
Yunus Sentamu (Uganda): Despite his side exiting the tournament at group stages, Sentamu netted three goals one adrift of top scorer Bernard Parker. The Vipers SC striker is among the sought after forwards on the continent at the moment thanks to his display. 3 goals in 3 games is no mean statistic.
Abdelsalam Omar (Libya): A fox in the box for the Mediterranean Knights. He has pace and his ability to find space in the opponents’ area is the reason he ranks amongst the best performers at CHAN 2014. He scored three goals in the campaign.
Stephen Adams (Ghana): He was arguably the best goal keeper in the tournament. Adams was pivotal for the Black Stars as he excellently organized his defence and made crucial saves to keep his side in games. His performance against Nigeria in the semis earned them a spot in the finals and his extra time save off Omar’s header in the finals ensured that Ghana only lost to penalties not open play against Libya.
Mohammad Abdaula (Libya): Champions Libya won just game one game in open play but their thanks to Abdaula in goal, they didn’t concede many. Abdaula is a brilliant shot stopper and also won them three games thanks to his penalty saving skills. Against Zimbabwe in the semis, he didn’t only save crucial penalties but also scored the winner that took them to the finals.
Peter Moyo (Zimbabwe): The dreadlocked Zimbabwean was the most notable box to box midfielder at CHAN 2014. He has power and brilliant on the ball with an eye for a defence unlocking pass.
