The TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship (2024) enters a critical phase of the knockout after thrilling encounters in the group stages.
Against many odds, co-hosts Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania difficult groups and will stay on home soil in the quarter finals with the Uganda Cranes further with a chance to play the semi-final at home if they proceed past Senegal.
The trio has had brilliant performers at the previous stages but Ismael Kiyonga picks his best XI from amongst the host nations.
GK: Bryne Omondi (Kenya)
The shot stopper has been a revelation between the posts and one of the reasons behind Harambee Stars steady performance. His heroics in tight matches decided matches including wins over Morocco and DR Congo.
RB: Shomari Kapombe (Tanzania)
The Taifa Stars marauding right back has consistently performed at high level in the tournament so far doing decently at both ends.
He has used his experience to the maximum in shutting out dangerous attackers down his side but also got in attacking positions so well that he even scored a match winner against Mauritania.
LB: Mohamed Hussein (Tanzania)
Like his compatriot, Hussein has been a decent performer both defensively and offensively when need arose getting in good positions and it explains why he scored in the win over Burkina Faso.
Never gets beaten one vs one and has a decent cross too and it explains why Yanga has lured him from rivals Simba
CB: Sylvester Owino (Kenya)
Benni McCarthy is Mister defence is one of the reasons the Harambee Stars have conceded just once this campaign so far.
He has excelled in aerial battles, colossus on the ground and shut out some of the best forwards in the competition so far including the Moroccans and Congolese.
CB: Dickson Job (Tanzania):
What he has lacked in his size, The Taifa Stars captain has used with the brain. A brilliant game reader who is rarely beaten on to the ball by forwards.
He is composed under pressure and likes to play from the back providing his team with extra dimension as they build from the back.
CDM: Joel Sserujongi (Uganda)
The midfield engine for Uganda Cranes that gives the backline protection with class and links the attack with extra quality.
Sserunjogi has been arguably Uganda’s best performer and his importance was more visible in the absence against South Africa when the Cranes failed to impose themselves on the game.
CM: Feisal ‘Fei Toto’ Salum (Tanzania)
He oozes class with the ball on his feet, composed, confident and enjoys the game.
Fei Toto has been Taifa Stars’ dictator of play in midfield but also links attack very well.
He has been unlucky with his ferocious shots from distance but twice named Man of the Match in the competition so far which explains his quality and performance.
CAM: Austin Odhiambo (Kenya)
The Gor Mahia man has been key orchestrator for Kenya’s attacks through the middle gliding past opponents in a manner like knife in butter.
Dictates the game’s tempo from close the opponents’ box and never afraid to try out new things. A joy to watch.
CF: Clement Mzize (Tanzania)
His movement on and off the ball, the ability to run in channels and his endurance have been a testimony to his quality as a forward.
Makes sharp and fast decisions and his goals and involvement in build ups when he doesn’t score explain why Tanzania amassed 10 points.
LW: Iddi Nado (Tanzania)
Flair and unpredictability define the Taifa Stars jersey no.3. He has been Tanzania’s chief creator with the ball at his feet running at defenders and creating spaces for his teammates. His decision making on when to pass and cross makes his standout in his position
RW: Allan Okello (Uganda)
In and out of games to the disappointment of some his fans who know what potential and talent he posses but Okello has been decisive for The Cranes with goals from the spot and that assist to Sserunjogi in the win over Niger says it all.
