Photo: Getty Images/Ulrik Pedersen
KingFut’s Mohaned Ghanem gives his picks for the team of the week for week 2 of the 2019 African Cup of Nations. In a week mostly bereft of drama, which players impressed the most?
For this edition of KingFut’s TOTW, we employ a 4-4-2.
Goalkeeper – Lloyd Kazapua (Namibia)
The Namib goalkeeper was fantastic against Morocco in the first game, only to be let down by an own goal in the dying moments. He put in another spirited performance against South Africa, who tallied 7 shots on target, but only managed to slot one past the Maccabi FC stalwart.
Right Back – Ahmed Elmohamady (Egypt)
The Pharaohs‘ captain had a phenomenal match against DR Congo, putting in a solid performance defensively and breaking the deadlock with a first-half goal. The Mahalla native doesn’t seem to have lost a step.
Center Back – Kenneth Omeruo (Nigeria)
The forever-on-loan-from-Chelsea defender ticked all the boxes against Guinea, racking up a clean sheet, the match-winning goal, and the man of the match award. He didn’t seem to put a foot wrong all games, and Nigeria is officially through to the next round with one more group stage match still left to play.
Center Back – Ahmed Hegazi (Egypt)
The towering West Bromwich Albion defender has been as reliable as ever for the hosting country, as he stifled DR Congo’s Cedric Bakumbu all game, leading Egypt to their second successive clean sheet.
Left Back – Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Hakimi, a Real Madrid product currently on loan to Borussia Dortmund, showed why he is one of the most promising youngsters in all of football with a fantastic performance to lead the Atlas Lions to a important win over The Elephants of Ivory Coast. He was solid defensively and was instrumental in the buildup for their goal.
Right Wing – Nordin Amrabat (Morocco)
Noureddine ‘Nordin’ Amrabat came under fire for his decision to join Al-Nassr last year, but he has not lost a step. The midfielder has arguably been the player of the tournament thus far, as he capped off a majestic performance against Ivory Coast by assisting the only goal of the game.
Center Midfielder – Bongani Zungu (South Africa)
Even without his game-winning goal against Namibia, Zungu would have found his way into this week’s TOTW for his play in this game. The Amiens midfielder seemed to play a part in every chance for Bafana Bafana, who squeaked past Namibia 1-0 thanks to Zungu’s headed goal.
Center Midfielder – Ismael Bennacer (Algeria)
The former Arsenal player has been one of Algeria’s best players thus far. He was a force against Senegal, dominating the midfield, demanding the ball, and distributing play delightfully all game. His man of the match award was just the icing on the cake.
Left Wing – Percy Tau (South Africa)
Tau, who is on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, took home the man of the match award for his performance against Namibia, which was capped off by his assist to fellow TOTW midfielder Bongani Zungu. The delivery from his corner kick found Zungu wide open in the penalty box, who made no mistake.
Forward – Michael Olunga (Kenya)
The performance of the week goes to Kenyan striker Michael Olunga, who led Harambee Stars to a comeback against Tanzania. The journeyman, who currently plies his trade in Japan, slotted home two important goals, including the game winner, while also taking home the man of the match award. Kenya is in a great spot to advance to the next stage due to Olunga’s performance.
Forward – Mbwana Samatta (Tanzania)
If it wasn’t for Olunga’s heroics, Samatta could have led Tanzania to their first ever AFCON win. As it stands, his goal and assist wasn’t enough to get Tanzania the 3 points, but it does land him a spot in KingFut’s TOTW.
