Caf names Afcon's Best XI
2008-02-11 09:25
Ghana - The Pharaohs of Egypt not only clinched the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations for a record sixth time last night, but also had five of their players make it into the Caf list of the best 11 players at the 2008 tournament.
Egypt, who were impressive throughout the tournament, had goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadari, defender Wael Gomaa, midfielders Hosni Abd-Rabou and Mohammed Aboutreika and battling striker Amr Zaki listed as top players in their positions.
Abd-Rabou, in fact, was crowned as the tournament?s top player.
The African Champions also boast two players on the substitutes' bench for the "African XI", with right back Ahmed Fathi and sweeper Hani Saied serving as back-up.
The top eleven, which was released immediately after the final by Caf, also has two players apiece from Ghana and Cameroon, with one each from Ivory Coast and Angola.
The biggest surprise on the list was the relegation of Chelsea forward Didier Drogba to the bench, with his spot taken by Angolan youngster Manucho.
The Best XI:
1. Essam Al-Hadari (Egypt)
2. Wael Gomaa (Egypt)
3. Geremi Njitap (Cameroon)
4. Hosni Abd-Rabou (Egypt)
5. Michael Essien (Ghana)
6. Sulley Muntari (Ghana)
7. Alexandre Song (Cameroon)
8. Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast)
9. Mohammed Abou-Treika (Egypt)
10. Amr Zaki (Egypt)
11. Manucho (Angola)
Substitutes:
1. Richard Kingson (Ghana)
2. Hani Saied (Egypt)
3. Ahmed Fathi (Egypt)
4. Saber Ben Fraj (Tunisia)
5. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
6. Abdelkader Keita (Ivory Coast)