CAF Snubs Ighalo, Mahrez, Mane, Names Another As Player of the Tournament

The Confederation of Africa Football has named Algeria’s Ismael Bennacer as the Best Player of the just concluded Africa Cup of Nation.

Algeria midfielder Ismael Bennacer has been named by CAF as the Player of the tournament, beating the likes of Riyadh Mahrez, Sadio Mane and tournament top goalscorer Odion Ighalo to the prestigious individual award.

#TotalAFCON2019
The moment you've all been waiting for is finally here. The Total Man Of The Competition is none other than I. Bennacer! Congrats! #FootballTogether pic.twitter.com/gkbPotdKLd

— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 19, 2019

The 21-year-old former Arsenal trainee claimed the assist that led to Algeria’s winning goal in the final of the Nations Cup. That contribution brought his total assist for the tournament to three.

#AFCON2019 Player of the Tournament: Ismail Bennacer

Assists: 3
Passes: 206
Pass success: 86.5%
Key passes: 5
Successful tackles: 10
Successful dribbles: 12

He was dispossessed just seven times throughout the entire tournament. Bedrock. 🇩🇿⚽️🏆 pic.twitter.com/77E42FcfHg

— Joe Crann (@YesWeCrann) July 19, 2019

The choice of the Empoli playmaker would have stunned fans who were expecting one of the popular superstars to be named as the AFCON’s Most Valuable Player.

Closer observation would however reveal that Algerian midfielder as been impeccable throughout the tournament and is deserving of the honour.

Ismaël Bennacer was one of two players to complete 10+ dribbles and make 10+ tackles at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

• 12 dribbles completed
• 10 tackles made

Riyad Mahrez was the other. pic.twitter.com/6rRPW1JoNS

— Scouted Football (@scoutedftbl) July 19, 2019

The young midfielder, who only made his debut for the Desert Foxes two years, is reported to be on his way to AC Milan before the transfer window slams shut.