The group stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations served viewers with a full buffet of drama; ranging from goals, saves, red cards and scintillating skills.

There have been some outstanding team performances hitherto, these have been fuelled by some individuals who have come to the party in Egypt.

Joy Sports takes a look at five of the best players of the tournament ahead of the last 16 stage. 

ISMAEL BENNACER – ALGERIA

The Empoli midfielder was one of the players to watch before the commencement of the tournament and has not disappointed so far. He has been heavily involved in Algeria’s dominance in midfield and has barely put a foot wrong, recording an assist and has only been dispossessed on two occasions while recording an 86% passing accuracy. Bennacer already has two man-of-the-match awards to his name and will be one to watch.

ZAMBO ANGUISSA – CAMEROON

Anguissa has the abilities of a modern an all round midfielder and has shown it in his first three matches at the AFCON. He has amassed 1.7 tackles per game defensively and has also proven to be a tidy passer, averaging 87.4% passing accuracy. Going forward, the Fulham midfielder has only been dispossessed twice whilst managing eight dribbles in three matches. He is also not shy to have a go as he has recorded 2 shots per game. The Fulham star also has two man of the match awards to his name and can get more in the latter stages.

MAHMOUD HASSAN (TREZEGUET)

The winger has arguably been the standout performer for the Pharaohs in their challenge for an eighth possible trophy. The Kasimpasa man has proven his ability to get past his marker, recording 4 dribbles completed per game whilst being dispossessed only once. He has also shown his creative side, making 2 key passes per game and getting an assist. Trezeguet has found the net once so far and will look to get more goals and improve on the one man of the match award he has as well.

AHMED EL MOHAMADY – EGYPT

The captain of the side has helped Egypt maintain their impeccable clean sheet record whilst offering an extra threat in attack. The 31-year-old has made one tackle and 1.3 clearances per 90, a good defensive output but his main strength is going forward, making three key passes in his three games and scoring twice from 3 shots (66.66% accuracy). El Mohamady has a man of the match award to his name for his stellar output and will hope to produce more of the same in the knockout round.

ROMAIN SAISS – MOROCCO 

The Atlas Lions defender has been a rock in the defence for his country, helping them become one of the teams who are yet to concede in the tournament. Saiss has shown no fear in trying to stop the danger from opposition attackers, making three tackles per game, two interceptions per game and four clearances per game. Saiss will be eager to help his team maintain their record in the round of 16 and subsequent stages.

-- 

Follow all the tournament games with #JoyAFCON. There’s live radio commentary on Joy 99.7FM, post-match programs on Joy FM, JoyNews TV (available via MultiTV Digibox and on DStv channel 421), Joy Prime (on DStv 281), analysis shows, and fanzones. Follow complete social media coverage on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram with @JoySportsGH.