The Premier League duo made the cut, but who else rounds out our best picks from this year's tournament in Egypt?
BackpagepixMohamed El-Shenawy
Algeria goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi won the competition, and was named CAF’s Man of the Match in the final, but El-Shenawy excelled during the early stages of the competition.
Egypt’s campaign may have ended even earlier had the 30-year-old not bailed them out against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe, while they also had the goalkeeper to thank for not falling behind against Uganda.
AdvertisementGettyYoucef Atal
Comfortably the best full-back in the competition, both offensively and defensively, before a broken collarbone sustained against Ivory Coast ended his competition prematurely.
Offered the overlap effectively, carried the ball well, and also contributed an assist in the 3-0 last-16 victory over Guinea.
BackpagepixKenneth Omeruo
Returned to form, and to Nigeria’s starting XI, in some style, with a series of excellent performances during the Super Eagles’ run to the bronze medal.
He scored the winner against Guinea in Nigeria’s second match, helping keep a clean sheet in both that game and the opener, while he also weighed in with an assist as Cameroon were defeated 3-2 in the last 16.
Demonstrating that he’s a man for the big occasion, Omeruo also delivered an imperious display in the play-off victory over Tunisia.
GetttyDjamel Benlamri
Dogged, rugged, tenacious and unruffled in the heart of the Algerian defence, Benlamri proved why he’s such a fan favourite among Fennecs fans with a series of committed displays.
He played with his heart on his sleeve throughout, demonstrating a mastery of some of the game’s darker arts, while proving to be an ideal complement for the cultured Aissa Mandi.