Goal.com African Player & Team of the Month for January

Then when his side were down by one late into their second Group C match against the Atlas Lions, Aubameyang answered the call once more when he showed excellent composure and technical ability to pull his team level with an unstoppable volley. Two minutes later, he cut in from the right flank and found his strike partner Daniel Cousin in the penalty box for the go-ahead goal.

Gabon ended up winning the game 3-2 to the delight of their raucous home supporters who celebrated their country’s first advancement to the second round of the continental showpiece. He was on hand once again to score the winner in a 1-0 victory over Tunisia in the final group match. If they are to go some steps further, Aubameyang will be the one to lead them.

An under-performing Tunisia certainly would not have made it to the second round if Youssef Msakni had not put in two man of the match performances against Morocco and Niger. In the first game, the Esperance winger came off the bench to replace Sami Allagui and score the crucial second goal that cushioned the Carthage Eagles’ lead and assured them of a precious victory against the Atlas Lions.

Then Msakni picked up where he left off, this time as a starter, against the Mena by scoring a fine individual goal that will be a contender for the best of the tournament. It is no coincidence that Lille are now considering recruiting the youngster as a replacement for Eden Hazard.

Moussa Maazou (Niger & Le Mans)

Facing a wounded Senegal in the follow up, most underestimated the Guineans again, figuring that the Teranga Lions would easily overcome them to resurrect their tournament.

However, a last-second Kily strike changed everything and sent Gilson Paulo’s team to the knockout stages against all expectations.

Gabon

Gernot Rohr’s men did not just win their matches against Niger and Morocco in exciting fashion, they also put on some of the best attacking displays of any team at the tournament.

If anyone was underrating the Panthers before the 2012 Afcon, it is now clear they were off the mark. Gabon have a solid squad and look like favourites for a run all the way to the final. Plus, playing with a home advantage certainly does not hurt their chances one bit.

Zambia

The Zambians were one of the surprise teams at the 2010 edition of the Afcon in Angola but no one should be shocked at what they have accomplished at this tournament. With a proud history behind them and a shrewd coach leading them, the Chipolopolo are serious contenders for a place in the trophy match. Their opening win over Senegal proved that they did not fear big names and their come from behind draw against Libya showed that they have acquired the mental fortitude to go far.

Sudan

Though their preparations were rather mediocre, Sudan excelled in their first match against a star-studded Ivorian team and were unlucky to lose 1-0 in a match where they created a great deal of opportunities. The Falcons of Jediane followed that up with a 2-2 draw against Angola, ending their 36-year scoring drought at the Afcon in the process. In their final match, the Sudanese broke another trend by beating Burkina Faso and qualifying for the second round for the first time in four decades.

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