With the Africa Cup of Nations final now decided after Wednesday’s dramatic semi-finals, we take a look at the round’s standout performers. Understandably, finalists Nigeria and Ivory Coast dominate the XI, with no player from South Africa nor DR Congo making the cut.
Stanley Nwabali (Nigeria) - 7.90
Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero as his nation progressed to the final on penalties against South Africa, but the 27-year-old’s performance in regular time also stood out. Nwabali made a total of four saves and won an aerial duel to earn a WhoScored rating of 7.90.
Wilfried Singo (Ivory Coast) - 7.12
AS Monaco defender Wilfried Singo made just his third start of the tournament in Wednesday’s 1-0 semi-final victory over DR Congo. The 23-year-old made a tackle, three clearances and provided two key passes in a display that returned a WhoScored rating of 7.12.
Willy-Arnaud Boly (Ivory Coast) - 7.32
Joining Singo in the backline is Ivorian teammate Willy-Arnaud Boly, who won a total of five aerial duels in the semi-final. The Nottingham Forest defender also made a tackle, an interception and six clearances on his way to a WhoScored rating of 7.32.
West Bromwich Albion centre-back Semi Ajayi earns a spot in the XI after his solid performance against South Africa, in which he won four aerial duels, made five tackles, an interception and a clearance, while he also completed one successful dribble to post a WhoScored rating of 7.25.
Ghislain Konan (Ivory Coast) - 7.25
Rounding off the back four is Ivory Coast left-back Ghislain Konan, who plays his club football for Saudi Arabian Pro League side Al-Fayha. Against DR Congo, the 28-year-old won two aerial duels, made two tackles and seven clearances, to register a WhoScored rating of 7.25, his best rated display of the tournament so far.
Max Gradel (Ivory Coast) - 7.09
36-year-old winger Max Gradel, formerly of Bournemouth, provided the all-important assist for Sebastien Haller as the host nation narrowly progressed past DR Congo. In a strong creative display, Gradel provided four key passes and completed one successful dribble to land a WhoScored rating of 7.09.
Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast) - 6.95
Former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie takes his place at the heart of midfield after an all-round semi-final performance that saw him take three shots at goal, make one key pass and one successful dribble. The 27-year-old also recorded a pass success rate of 81.1% to help earn a WhoScored rating of 6.95.
Joining Kessie in midfield is Brentford man Frank Onyeka, who battled well against South Africa on Wednesday night, as he made three tackles, four interceptions and one block. Across his 102 minutes of actin, Onyeka also maintained a pass success rate of 85.3% to help him to a WhoScored rating of 6.85.
Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast) - 6.94
Brighton winger Simon Adingra made his first start of the tournament at the semi-final stage, and against DR Congo, the 22-year-old provided three key passes, completed one successful dribble and made four accurate crosses to return a WhoScored rating of 6.94.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) - 7.29
Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen thought he had doubled Nigeria’s lead against South Africa in the dying stages of the match, only to see the referee chalk off his goal and rule a penalty in favour of their opponents. The 25-year-old, though, made a nuisance of himself throughout the 110 minutes that he played, winning four aerial duels and firing off five attempts at goal , while he also provided one key pass and completed two successful dribbles to post a WhoScored rating of 7.29.
Sebastien Haller (Ivory Coast) - 7.29
The semi-final hero for host nation Ivory Coast was Borussia Dortmund’s Sebastien Haller, whose spectacular volley looped over DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau. The 29-year-old’s efforts, which included four other shots on goal, earn him a WhoScored rating of 7.29.
