The five African nations that were present in Qatar, namely Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Tunisia, and Cameroon, were deserving ambassadors. At a FIFA World Cup, all five African nations were led by African managers for the first time each won a game.
With their entry into the semi-final, the Atlas Lions cracked the glass ceiling, but there were other players from the opposing team who improved their reputations and some rising stars.
Goalkeeper - Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
In Qatar, Bounou was without a doubt the top African goalie. Prior to the semifinal, he allowed just one goal and stunned Croatia in the opening game, giving Morocco a chance to create history. The Sevilla goalkeeper, who was uneasy in that first game, especially with the ball at his feet, warmed up to the competition and developed into a dependable back-passing source for his team. He also played a huge role in the penalty shootout against Spain.
Right back - Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
Although the PSG defender was scoreless in Qatar, he gave it his all. Hakimi was not as much released forward as he would have wanted due to the tactical formation, but once he crossed the halfway line, the opposition was in danger. The 24-year-old was outstanding in the second-round matchup with Spain, recording four tackles and one goal-bound shot.
First centre-half - Daniel Amartey (Ghana)
The defender for Leicester City led his group and performed like the team's captain. In Ghana's last group game against Uruguay, he was more composed and self-assured than his teammates were when it counted.
Second centre-half - Romain Saiss (Morocco)
It was no accident that Morocco began to let up goals in Qatar after Saiss was hurt. Against France, he heroically attempted to play with a strapped-up thigh, but by the 10th minute, he realized his race was over. He had the unmatched tackling ability and superb vision, which enabled Morocco to repel offensive attacks from Croatia, Spain, and Portugal.
Defensive midfielder - Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)
Amrabat may have been the greatest midfielder at the FIFA World Cup 2022. He was the epitome of a central midfielder—capable of receiving the ball under duress, running with it, passing it, and defending—and he made sure his team's defence was strong. In the January transfer window, the Fiorentina player will be pursued by several clubs.
Midfielder - Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)
As he manoeuvred between the lines for Morocco, the Angers midfielder shined like a million lights. He occasionally appeared to glide through matches while the ball remained attached to his feet. He lost possession of the ball so many times that you could count them on one hand. In the third-place game, he came off the bench to an immediate impact. He was introduced when Morocco pinned Croatia for the remainder of the game in their half. He will undoubtedly leave his mediocre French team in January or the summer.
Left winger - Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)
Yet another participant who made headlines in Qatar. When it came to assaulting opponents, he was perfect. Being able to play from wide or in central midfield or even as a No. 9 speaks to his flexibility. For many years to come, the Black Stars will have a player to replace Andre Ayew as the attacking focal point.
Right winger - Hakim Ziyech (Morocco)
The Ziyech that appeared in Qatar was very different from the one that the English Premier League routinely mistakes with Chelsea. Whether playing on offence or defence, the winger coordinated perfectly with Hakimi to shut down the right wing. He gave Zakaria Aboukhlal the game-winning and self-confidence-boosting assist against Belgium. When Saiss was injured, he also took charge of the Lions. He almost marked his escape from Chelsea in Qatar if he plans to switch teams in January.
Centre Forward 1 - Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco)
The single goal versus Portugal was scored with an almost 10-meter jump that will live in infamy. En-Nesyri fluctuated in and out of games, but his two goals helped him make this Africa 11 roster.
Centre Forward 2 - Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon)
The Indomitable Lions' bench was frequently questioned about why Aboubakar had been sitting out the whole competition. With the benefit of hindsight, the Lions would have advanced to the second round if he had played and scored against Switzerland. We will replay his headed goal against Brazil a million times because of the vivacity and direct running he gave to the squad when he came in against Serbia.
Substitutes
Goalkeepers: Devis Epassy (Cameroon); Aymen Dahmen (Tunisia)
Defenders: Collins Fai (Cameroon); Nayef Aguerd (Morocco); Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco); Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal); Nadir Ghandri (Tunisia)
Midfielders: Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon); Idrissa Gueye (Senegal); Aissa Laidouni (Tunisia)
Wingers: Sofiane Boufal (Morocco); Ismaila Sarr (Senegal); Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)
Centre Forwards: Wahbi Khazri (Tunisia); Boulaye Dia (Senegal)
Manager - Walid Regragui (Morocco)
The biggest tribute given to Regragui, 47, was the analysis of how Fernando Santos, the former manager of Portugal, set up his squad and how his side was unable to exploit it in that historic 1-0 victory that handed Africa a first-ever semi-final spot. The Lions had held every opponent at bay up until their 2-0 semifinal loss to France; in their previous four games, they had only allowed one goal, an own goal against Canada.