The 34th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations concluded in fine style at the majestic Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday after Cote d’Ivoire came from behind to seal a magnificent third TotalEnergies CAF AFCON title against Nigeria.
With the curtains officially closed on the tournament, CAF awarded the best performers of the competition.
The creator of Cote d’Ivoire’s two assists in the final, Simon Adingra (22), was named the TotalEnergies Man of the Match for the final.
Despite not finishing at the summit as champions, Nigerian captain William Troost-Ekong walked away with the TotalEnergies Best Player award.
Equatorial Guinea danger man Emilio Nsue Lopez scooped the PUMA Golden Boot award for his five goals that saw him top the goal-scoring charts of the competition.
Bafana Bafana shot-stopper Ronwen Williams was voted the Ecobank Best Goalkeeper for his heroics which include a record four penalty saves against Cape Verde and another two against DR Congo.
In addition to finishing third in the competition, Bafana Bafana’s bronze medal is accompanied by the Air Côte d’Ivoire Fair Play Team.
The winner’s trophy, which was brought on by Togolese football legend Emmanuel Adebayor, was presented by Cote d’Ivoire President His Excellency Alassane Ouattara alongside CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino to Cote d’Ivoire skipper Max Gradel.
The ceremony also included the official handing over of the CAF Flag to the Royal Moroccan Federation to signify the handing over of the hosting rights to the next host country.
Below is the complete winners list for the CAN CAF TotalEnergies, Cote d’Ivoire 2023:
Winner: Cote d’Ivoire
Second: Nigeria
Third: South Africa
Fourth: Democratic Republic of Congo
TotalEnergies Best Player: William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria)
Puma Golden Boot: Emilio Nsue Lopez
Ecobank Best Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
Air Côte d’Ivoire Fair-Play Team: South Africa
Source Caf
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
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