As the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 reaches the knockout stages, we pick out the five players who have excelled for their team so far
Vincent Abubakar (Cameroon)
Five goals in three Group games, the Cameroonian skipper has been on fire. The Al Nasr forward has been scoring freely in the competition as he has promised to deliver the Indomitable Lions their fifth AFCON trophy.
Aboubakar is the first Cameroonian to score in all three group stage matches at AFCON since Samuel Etoo at the AFCON 2008.
A predator inside the box, Abubakar has also exhibited leadership qualities which is helping his team to move forward.
Ivan Salvador (Equatorial Guinea)
The talented forward has been very key to the fortunes of "Nzalang" in the ongoing AFCON in Cameroon.
Despite providing one assist in three games, he has been one of the main men in attack for the Central African country. He has had three direct goal involvements in three games for the Scorpions.
His link up play has been excellent and his performance against Ivory Coast and Algeria where he won the man of the match in the 1-0 win is seen among the best in the competition.
Moses Simon (Nigeria)
The Nantes winger netted one goal and provided one assist in the three games the Super Eagles played in the Group stages. He also has one man of the match award under his belt.
He has been tormenting opponents on the flanks with his electric pace and has been very instrumental in all the Super Eagles victories.
Simon completed more dribbles (15) than any other player in the group stages.
Nicolas Pepe (Ivory Coast)
Nicolas Pepe has shone for the Ivory Coast at the AFCON despite not having a great season at club level.
Pepe had a direct hand in three of their six goals, scoring twice, with his one assist.
The 26-year-old scored a brilliant goal against Sierra Leone in their second group game and then followed that up with another great performance against defending champions Algeria.
Mohamed Kamara (Sierra Leone)
Mohamed Kamara has been among the stand out players at AFCON 2021 with his brilliant goalkeeping skills.
With save after save against African champions Algeria on, the 22 year old goalkeeper made his 11th appearance for Sierra Leone, as well as his AFCON debut, memorable.
With his masterclass performance in the tournament so far, Kamara was assured. He stood big against the might of the Desert Foxes with quick thinking and fast reflexes.