AFCON 2023: Nigeria’s Troost-Ekong, Ghana’s Kudus make Best XI of matchday two

The PAOK defender scored the Super Eagles’ only goal in the crucial victory over hosts Cote d’Ivoire

Captain William Troost-Ekong has been included in the Whoscored Team of the Round after his excellent performance against Cote d’Ivoire on matchday two of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

Victor Osimhen won the penalty, but it was Troost-Ekong who stepped up to convert the kick and hand Nigeria their first win of the tournament.

Troost-Ekong was also excellent in defence, completing four clearances, making two interceptions, and putting in two tackles, including a crucial one as the last man.

With his display, Whoscored gave Troost-Ekong a 7.98 rating, the best of any defender during the matchday two fixtures of the AFCON.

The only Nigerian in the team, Troost-Ekong also found his spot in the heart of the defence of the round’s Best XI, alongside Angola’s Kialonda Gaspar and in front of goalkeeper Vozhinha of Cape Verde.

Despite Ola Aina’s brilliance against the Ivorians, he was beaten to the right-wing spot by Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, who scored his first goal of the tournament in the Lions’ eventual 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

On the left flank is Cape Verde’s Joao Paulo, following their 3-0 victory over Mozambique.

After his fantastic brace in Ghana’s 2-2 draw with Egypt, Mohamed Kudus takes his place in midfield beside South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena.

Mauritania’s duo of Sidi Amar and Aboubakary Koita are the preferred wingers after their excellent output despite their country’s loss to Angola.

In attack, Equatorial Guinea’s Emilio Nsue, following his hat-trick against Guinea-Bissau, takes the centre-forward role and is partnered by Themba Zwane of South Africa.

Nigeria take on Guinea-Bissau in their last group match, knowing a win would be enough to secure Group A leadership if Equatorial Guinea fail to beat Cote d’Ivoire.

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