The excellent performers from the greatest tournament of all-time, ladies and gentlemen:
Kennedy Mweene (Zambia)
Although he was one of the most eccentric goalkeepers at the tournament, Mweene was – paradoxically – a calming presence to his team-mates, his confidence unflappable even when he flapped at crosses or had nervy moments. He was brave when he came out to collect or punch balls which were lofted into the box and his distribution was one of the best in the tournament.
Jean-Jacques Gosso (Ivory Coast)
Coming into the tournament, Gosso was barely a kitchen appliance name in an Ivory Coast squad filled with household names. Usually a defensive midfielder, he was deployed as a makeshift right-back due to fitness concerns over Emmanuel Eboue. It’s easy to understand why he was deployed there – his combative style often saw him come out on top in one-on-one duels and he joined in the Elephants’ attacks with forward runs of sheer doggedness, even though, understandably, his positioning was questionable.
