AFCON progresses into the quarter-finals with the final eight teams ready to battle it out for Africa’s biggest prize. TheFPLManual reveals top captain picks and differentials to consider for the remaining rounds of AFCON Fantasy.

Senegal ❌, Morocco ❌, Cameroon ❌, Egypt ❌ and now top ranked nation in Africa, Morocco got eliminated last night to South Africa. If AFCON 2023 isn’t the best one yet, it will surely be remembered for the series of upsets football fans have witnessed each game week. Let’s take a look at the top performers from the last round

AFCON MATCHDAY 4 TOP PERFORMERS

1. Gelson Dala: The 4.8m forward impressed with two goals and an assist leading as the top-scoring AFCON  fantasy asset in the last round, accumulating 17 points for the Palancas Negras.
2. Ademola Lookman: The Nigerian attacker secured two goals in a significant clash against Cameroon and finished with a total of 15 points.
3. Ryan Mendes: Singled-handedly completing 11 duels won and scored the winning goal from the spot for the Blue Sharks, Mendes finished with total of 11 points.
4. Bertrand Traore: Contributed a late penalty goal for the Stallions, accumulating a total of 10 points.
5. Hamari Traore: Mali’s captain provided an assist for teammate Sinayoko, delivering a solid performance for the Eagles.
6. Calvin Bassey: Scoring a whooping 11 points, the Nigerian defender completed an impressive 13 duels in the clash against Cameroon, provided an assist and secured a clean sheet for Nigeria.
7. Fredy: Notched two assists, two key passes, and won four duels, playing a crucial role in helping Angola secure a win against Nambia.
8. Kialonda Gaspar: The Angolan defender was fantastic behind for the Palancas Negras completing six duels won, seven CBIs and securing a clean sheet, finishing with eight points.

AFCON FANTASY TOP CAPTAIN PICKS

Victor Osimhen 12.1m 🇳🇬

TSB: 72% ownership

Despite scoring one goal since MD 1, the Nigerian striker has maintained an impressive average of 3.79 shots per 90 in his last four AFCON 2023 appearances. Contributing significantly to the Super Eagles’ attacking transitions, Osimhen provided an assist and completed 11 duels won in the clash against Cameroon. With his goal-scoring potential ready to manifest, Victor Osimhen could rise to the occasion and improve his goal conversion, which could lead Nigeria to the next round. I believe he is due a goal or two, and I still tip Osimhen to challenge for the top goal scorer before AFCON 2023 concludes on 11th February.

Ryan Mendes 6.9m 🇨🇻

TSB: 25% ownership

Having topped Group B in the group stage, Cape Verde is prominently labelled as the “dark horses” of AFCON 2023. In his last four AFCON appearances, The Blue Sharks captains has amassed an xG of 1.34, scoring two goals and providing an assist for his nation. After converting the last penalty against Mauritania in the last round, Ryan Mendes brings an additional feature of penalty duty to owners and is poised to accrue extra points for owners. Additionally, I have observed a consistent trend of Mendes winning duels for his nation, contributing an average of 5.75 duels completed in this competition. About to face South Africa, I tip Mendes as one of the top players to captain for the Quarter Finals.

AFCON FANTASY TOP DIFFERENTIALS (<10% Ownership)

Stanley Nwabali 4.7m 🇳🇬

Since making his first competitive appearance in Matchday 1 against Equatorial Guinea, Nwabali is the only goalkeeper in this contest to have conceded just one goal, keeping three clean sheets in his last four appearances. With eight saves so far, the Super Eagles’ goalie has amassed a save percentage of 88.9%, second only to Mali’s goalkeeper Djigui Diarra with 90.9%. However, there seems to be some injury concern around the Nigerian keeper after he was subbed off in the 77th minute in the clash against Cameroon. Nwabali is now back in training and could be ready for the upcoming game against Angola this Friday. With just 8% ownership and a great save rate, I nominate the Nigerian goalie as one of my major differentials heading into the Quarter Finals. 🧤

Mohamed Bayo 6.1m 🇬🇳

In 3 out of 4 starts for Guinea, Mohamed Bayo has showcased his impact by scoring two crucial goals. His recent late winner in Matchday 4 was a decisive factor that led to the elimination of our favored Equatorial Guinea fantasy assets. Delving into the statistics, according to FBRef, Bayo impressively averages 1.24 shots per 90, boasting a remarkable 57.1% shot on target rate. Currently ranking 15th for most shots on target per 90 minutes, he appears to be more clinical than some top forwards, including our top captain Osimhen.

While there are concerns within the fantasy community about Guirassy potentially affecting Bayo’s minutes, considering Bayo’s form and his ability to shine in significant matches, I predict Mohamed Bayo to be one of the main strikers to score in the Quarter Finals against DR Congo.

Honorable Mention

Themba Zwane 5.6m 🇿🇦

With two goals and an assist in his last four AFCON appearances, the South Africa attacker has elevated himself to become one of the top-scoring midfield options in AFCON Fantasy. This impressive performance has propelled his score tally to 27 points, placing him joint-highest with Ademola Lookman of Nigeria.

BONUS SECTION: Q & A TIME ❓

In concluding this article, I got a question from an X user @mlupescu0509 and he wanted to know who are the best options to get as he still has the Wildcard chip available and is trying to create the perfect draft.

With all the major favourite nations out, AFCON Fantasy managers are left with lots of cash in the bank but just a small pool of players to select from. If I were to play my wildcard ahead of the Quarter Finals, this team below would likely be my best draft squad:

Notes:

1. Gelson Dala and Mabululu remain solid choices but Nigeria’s robust defense may neutralize Angola’s fiery attack. Bayo emerges as a budget-forward option in this context.
2. Haller’s return against Senegal indicates his readiness to contribute significantly to his nation’s advancement in the contest.
3. Prioritize players who are penalty takers with Kessie, Tau, Mendes, and Osimhen fitting into this valuable category.
4. An in-form Ademola Lookman becomes a template option following the exits of Mane and Sarr. Lookman’s confidence especially after a brace against Cameroon suggests he can find the scoresheet again.
5. While Nwabali and Vozinha are strong goalkeeping options, Djugui Diarra remains a solid pick with an impressive save percentage of 90.9.
6. Masuaku from DR Congo is the sole recommendation from their squad, as there is hesitancy in trusting their attacking options. However, Wissa remains a viable choice on paper if that direction is preferred.
7. Stay vigilant for injury updates, particularly on players like Haller and Nwabali, who might not be 100% ready to start.

That brings me to the end of this article. Feel free to share this with your friends and other AFCON Fantasy Managers to aid in their decision making.

You can find additional AFCON 2024 Fantasy resources here.