Ranking the 5 best players in AFCON so far

#3 Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Achraf Hakimi in action for Morocco

Achraf Hakimi was one of the most consistent players of AFCON 2021 until Morocco were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Egypt. The Paris Saint-Germain right back turned in impressive performances in games against Comoros and Gabon, scoring an all-important 84th equalizer in the latter.

He tapped into that same vein for Morocco's Round of 16 match against Malawi. Hakimi scored the winner in the 70th minute as Morocco came from 1-0 behind to win the game 2-1. The 23 year old gave a good account of himself in the quarter-finals against Egypt.

He won an early penalty in the game which was converted by Soufiane Boufal to give Morocco a 1-0 lead. However, Hakimi was guilty of losing Trezeguet at the backpost for the goal that decided the game.

#2 Karl Toko Ekambi (Cameroon)

Karl Toko Ekambi (pic cred: Sports Brief)

Cameroon have been the high-flyers of this edition of AFCON. Cameroon's forwards have been on fire and have lit up the tournament with their efficiency in front of goal and the sheer sense of adventure they've shown.

Karl Toko Ekambi should have got himself a hat-trick in Cameroon's second group stage game against Ethiopia. He had five shots on goal and bagged a brace for his efforts. After a rather quiet outing in their 1-1 draw against Cape Verde in their last group stage game, Ekambi shone in the knockout stages.

He scored the opener for Cameroon in their 2-1 win over Comoros. The Olympique Lyon forward bagged another brace as Cameroon beat Gambia 2-0 in the quarter-finals.

#1 Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon)

Vincent Aboubakar (cred: The Guardian)

Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar was easily the best performing player from the group stages. He scored a whopping five goals in three games, including braces in their first two games against Burkina Faso and Ethiopia.

He followed it up by scoring Cameroon's lone goal in their 1-1 draw against Cape Verde. The 30 year old is a technically gifted marksman who knows his way around the final third and is pretty good at linking up with his teamamtes as well.

He was involved in both goals in Cameroon's 2-1 win over Comoros in the Round of 16, scoring one and providing the assist for the other. Despite not getting on the scoresheet in Cameroon's 2-0 win over Gambia in the quarter-finals, Aboubakar still produced an impressive performance.