The semifinals at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations saw Senegal and Algeria set up a final meeting in Cairo on Friday following their victories over Tunisia (1-0 after extra time) and Nigeria (2-1) respectively.
DStv viewers have been treated to some thrilling football live and in HD, with SuperSport your home for all the action from the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt until 19 July.
Here are the best four players from the semifinals at the 2019 AFCON.
Alfred Gomis – Senegal
Senegal’s goalkeeper not only made a superb save to keep out Ferjani Sassi’s penalty – and thereby pave the way for his team’s progression into the final – he also enjoyed an excellent all-round outing against the Tunisians on Sunday. Alfred Gomis has been a safe pair of hands for the Teranga Lions throughout the tournament and he will be keen to keep a fifth successive clean sheet when his team comes up against Algeria on Friday night.
Cheikhou Kouyate – Senegal
A stirring performance from Senegal’s captain helped them overcome the stubborn Tunisians. Cheikhou Kouyate is not considered one of the more gifted member of this Teranga Lions team, but his role as coach Aliou Cisse’s representative on the pitch is a vital one, while his grit and resilience set an example for all of Senegal to follow. He will dream of lifting the AFCON trophy in Cairo on Friday night.
Youcef Belaili – Algeria
Nigeria’s Chidozie Awaziem has been arguably the best right-back at the 2019 AFCON, but he had his toughest match of the tournament on Sunday night in trying to keep tabs on Algeria’s Youcef Belaili. The Fennec Foxes’ left-sided attacker showed great movement, intelligence and technical skills in a performance which helped his side dominate the Super Eagles. Notably, ahead of the final, he is also the last man to score past Senegal goalkeeper Alfred Gomis.
Riyad Mahrez – Algeria
The Manchester City winger was the key attacking figure for the North Africans in their 2-1 win over Nigeria on Sunday night. His deflected cross late in the first half forced an own goal from William Troost-Ekong to open the scoring in his team’s favour, while Riyad Mahrez stepped up in the fifth minute of injury time after the 90 to strike home a superb free kick and win the match with virtually the last kick of the game. Leading his national team to the AFCON would cement Mahrez’s place as an all-time great of the African game.
For the latest news, fixtures and results from the 2019 AFCON, head to SuperSport’s tournament page.
For more information on the unmatched football on DStv and the upcoming fixtures, visit www.supersport.com.
AFCON third-place play-off and final fixtures
All times CAT
Wednesday 17 July
21:00: Third-place playoff: Tunisia v Nigeria – LIVE on SS4/SS10
Friday 19 July
21:00: Final: Senegal v Algeria – LIVE on SS4/SS10