Senegal dominate AFCON semi-final best XI after Tunisia triumph
Goalkeeper: Alfred Gomis (Senegal) - 8.31 rating
The first of six Senegal players to feature, goalkeeper Alfred Gomis comes away with the player of the round award after landing a WhoScored rating of 8.31 from their extra time 1-0 win over Tunisia. The 25-year-old made two saves in the narrow victory, one of which was to deny Ferjani Sassi from netting from the spot in the second half, as he excelled to book Senegal’s AFCON 2019 final spot.
Right-back: Lamine Gassama (Senegal) - 7.58 rating
Securing a podium spot alongside compatriot Gomis in the player of the round race, Lamine Gassama impressed from right-back against Tunisia. The defender came away with a WhoScored rating of 7.58 from the semi-final AFCON clash as he completed five dribbles in the extra time victory, four of which came in normal time, while two tackles and one interception contributed to a WhoScored rating of 7.58.
Centre-back: Cheikhou Kouyate (Senegal) - 7.09 rating
Since coming in for Salif Sane alongside Kalidou Koulibaly at the heart of Senegal defence at the beginning of AFCON 2019, Cheikhou Kouyate has been a solid performer at the back and he showcased his quality against Tunisia as he landed a WhoScored rating of 7.09 in the semi-final. Three aerial duels won, two interceptions and one clearance contributed towards such a commendable score.
Centre-back: Kenneth Omeruo (Nigeria) - 6.72 rating
Nigeria’s only representative in this XI comes in the form of Kenneth Omeruo, who came away from their 2-1 defeat to Algeria with a WhoScored rating of 6.72. While ending up on the losing side, Omeruo put in decent shift at the back as he made more passes (57) and clearances (8) than any other player in the semi-finals.
Left-back: Youssouf Sabaly (Senegal) - 7.35 rating
Rounding off the best three rated players from the semi-finals as he came away with a WhoScored rating of 7.35 against Tunisia, Youssouf Sabaly put in a commanding performance at left-back. Indeed, the defender made four clearances, two tackles and two interceptions and got forward well too, firing off three shots and making one key pass to make the XI.
Right midfield: Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) - 7.33 rating
If there’s a right way to win an AFCON semi-final match, Riyad Mahrez can be credited with its discovery. The Manchester City ace found the top corner with a late free-kick to send Algeria into the final with a 2-1 win over Nigeria. The strike deep into second half injury time was from his only shot in the match, while one dribble and one tackle helped return a WhoScored rating of 7.33.
Central midfield: Henri Saivet (Senegal) - 7.34 rating
Senegal’s fifth representative in the best XI of the semi-final is Henri Saivet, this coming despite missing a second half penalty against Tunisia. Nevertheless, Saivet was a workhorse from midfield once more as he made four tackles in the 1-0 win, while on the ball; the 28-year-old impressed, making two key passes and two successful dribbles to gain a WhoScored rating of 7.34
Central midfield: Adlene Guedioura (Algeria) - 7.14 rating
With a WhoScored rating of 7.14, Adlene Guedioura partners Saivet in the middle of the park as the 33-year-old put in a solid shift in the Algeria midfield. The experienced Algerian won three aerial duels against Nigeria and didn’t give the Super Eagles a chance to settle as he put in five tackles and two interceptions to make the best XI.
Left midfield: Youcef Belaili (Algeria) - 7.04 rating
Finishing the Algeria contingent is Youcef Belaili, who landed a WhoScored rating of 7.04 against Nigeria. The 27-year-old didn’t have a direct hand in a goal against Nigeria, but it wasn’t for want of trying as Belaili made more key passes (4) than any other player in the AFCON semi-finals. Two successful dribbles and two tackles means he was good value for his place in this side.
Striker: Mbaye Niang (Senegal) - 6.64 rating
Completing the Senegal sextet is striker Mbaye Niang, who earned a WhoScored rating of 6.64. He didn’t find the back of the net against Tunisia, but the frontman managed three shots in the 1-0 extra time win and won four aerial duels.
Striker: Teha Khenissi (Tunisia) - 6.89 rating
Making yet another AFCON team of the round is Tunisia’s Teha Khenissi. The 27-year-old has featured in every knockout stage best XI at the competition and the semi-finals were no different, no matter his nation’s exit. Khenissi managed two shots in the defeat to Senegal and won two aerial duels, while five tackles saw him return a WhoScored rating of 6.89.
