One of the most exciting and unpredictable Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in my short life is over so here’s my own little award ceremony to celebrate.
Player of the tournament
I always try and think of an alternative to the official player of the tournament but I can’t think of any other player but Christopher Katongo, this was a tournament of counter-attacking were wide forwards flourished but Katongo’s intelligent movement off the ball and combination with the other forwards in Zambia’s 4-2-2-2 makes him the standout.
Young player of the tournament
Emmanuel Mayuka and Guinean Abdoul Camara impressed but Neymar’s look-alike Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gets this, his speed, dribbling and ability to play everywhere across the front three gave Gabon great attacking versatility and a constant threat.
Goal of the tournament
Quite a few screamers but I have to go for Bruno Zita’s free-kick, which sent the Moroccans crashing out in the last minute and Gabon into the next round.
Manager of the tournament
Only one candidate here, Herve Renard used a variety of formations in the tournament and made vital substitutions leading to Zambia going all the way in this tournament
Disappointment of the tournament
 Morocco came close but Senegal are a good example of what happens if you try and shoehorn all your best players into the same team
Team of the tournament
I know El Kaddouri wasn’t great but I could not think of an exceptional left back.
Honourable mentions: Kalaba, K Toure, Mouloungui, A Ayew and Manucho
Damn, I’ve just remembered how good Adama Tamboura was at left back
Chansa was the best player for me, was the heartbeat of Zambia and played some great passes. Also how is Bamba not in your team, he was the best CB at the tournament?
Well, Sunzu played in games were Zambia were under a lot more pressure than the Ivory coast. Boye, who is basically a reserve was excellent with his reading of the game and has good recovery pace. I’m convinced he can play at the top level.