Category Archives: AFCON Fantasy Football

AFCON Fantasy: Quarter-Final Preview – Top Captain Picks and Differentials

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.

AFCON Fantasy – Top Differentials for Matchday 2

A recap of the African Cup of Nations’ first round reveals compelling results and the FPL Manual is here to share insights on standout performances from Matchday 1 along with notable AFCON Fantasy differential picks for Matchday 2.


With 10 out of 12 games completed in Matchday 1, football fans worldwide witnessed surprising upsets such as Namibia triumphing over Tunisia and Cape Verde stunning Ghana. The so-called “small teams” are posing significant challenges for the tournament favorites. Notably, Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria had to settle for draws in their opening games.

 

AFCON MATCHDAY 1 TOP PERFORMERS

  1. Seko Fofana: Scored the tournament’s opening goal, providing a strong start for the home nation.
  2. Lamine Camara: The young player secured two goals for the Teranga Lions in their first game.
  3. Djigui Diarra: Made six crucial saves for Mali in their pivotal 2-0 victory against South Africa.
  4. Mohamed Salah: Contributed a late penalty equalizer and an assist for the Pharaohs, accumulating a total of 12 points.
  5. Hamari Traore: Mali’s captain scored a goal and secured a clean sheet, delivering a solid performance for the Eagles.
  6. Youcef Belaili: Despite playing only 67 minutes, Belaili provided 1 assist, earned 1 clean sheet point, delivered 2 key passes, and won 7 duels for Algeria.
  7. Georges-Kévin N’Koudou: Notched 1 assist, 7 key passes, and won 8 duels, playing a crucial role in helping Cameroon secure a draw against Guinea.
  8. Alexander Djiku: Despite receiving a yellow card and conceding 2 goals to Cape Verde, the Ghanaian defender scored a goal, made 10 CBIs, finishing with 8 points.


I got a question from Twitter user Jonsku @turboveeti and he wants to know who is the best Afcon Fantasy asset to consider within the 5m-7m range for strikers and midfielders


AFCON FANTASY TOP DIFFERENTIALS FOR MATCHDAY 2

 

Kamory Doumbia

  • Price: 6m
  • Ownership: 5%
  • Position: MID

Afcon Fantasy managers who made an early move to include Kamory Doumbia reaped the first fruits with 9 points. The Mali attacking midfielder showcased an impressive performance in the last match against South Africa, leading in key passes and duels won, creating an assist, and earning a clean sheet point. Following a crucial win and gearing up to face Group E rivals Tunisia, I anticipate Kamory Doumbia to deliver a similarly high score in the upcoming game ⚽🔥


Peter Shalulile

  • Price: 5m
  • Ownership: 2%
  • Position: FWD

Despite being unable to find the net in the last game for the Brave Warriors, Peter Shalulile showcased his attacking prowess with six shots in total, three of which were on target. He also won four duels, highlighting his contribution to the team. The Namibian forward played a crucial role in assisting his team in securing their first-ever AFCON win in the contest’s history. Set to face South Africa in Group E, Peter Shalulile is confident and eager to capitalize on his opportunities as he takes on Bafana Bafana.

José Machín

  • Price: 5m
  • Ownership: <1% ownership
  • Position: MID

With two key passes, an assist, and a total of 6 points for Equatorial Guinea, Jose Machin has emerged as a player to watch. The Nzalang Nacional winger displayed directness and impactful play for his nation.

Reasonably priced at 5m and prepared to face Group A rivals Guinea-Bissau in the next game, I predict that Jose Machin could play a significant role in the goal-scoring action in the early kick-off on Thursday.



Honourable mentions

Key Fantasy Assets like Seko Fofana, Youcef Belaili, Alexander Djiku, and Georges-Kevin N’koudou who are listed among the top performers above can also be considered as top picks.

Did you find this article helpful? Feel free to share this with your friends, family, and other AFCON Fantasy Managers.


You can find additional AFCON 2024 Fantasy resources here.

AFCON Fantasy Preview – DR Congo

AFCON Fantasy is here and the FPL Manual shares his thoughts on DR Congo’s national football team, their best players to consider, and the predicted XI for the Africa Cup of Nations 2024.


Team Profile

  • Name – Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Nickname – Les Léopards (The Leopards)
  • Current World ranking – 67th (13th in Africa)

DR Congo have won the AFCON title twice in 1968 and 1974, coming in third place on two occasions in 1998 and 2015

 

DR Congo’s Road to AFCON

On the 9th of September 2023, DR Congo continued to write history as they secured their ticket to Cote D’Ivoire. This time will make it their 19th AFCON appearance, the Leopards finished top of Group I with 12 points scoring 11 goals, conceding only four goals.

 

DR Congo’s Top AFCON Qualifier Performers

Top scorers

  • F Mayele – 2 goals
  • J Bolingi, G Kakuta, C Bakambu, A Masuaku, C Bakambu, A Tshibola, T Bongonda – 1 goal each


DR Congo’s Team News

Official list of DR Congo players travelling to Cote D’Ivoire :

DR Congo Injury Updates

Batubinsika❓

“Despite his two yellow cards suffered during the last qualifying matches” “Dylan Batubinsika is eligible to play the first match.”

Key defender Dylan Batubinsika is currently marked as suspended in the RealFevr fantasy game.

 

DR Congo Probable Lineup AFCON 2024

The manager – Sébastien Desabre uses either a 3-4-3 and recently adopted a 4-2-3-1 shape, however, it’s the 4-4-2 formation that helped DR Congo to secure qualification. The Leopards could line up this way ahead of the tournament.



Best DR Congo AFCON Fantasy Player Picks

 

Nailed Players

Mbemba 5m, Bakambu 7.5m

 

Fairly nailed: (play 70+mins or 2/3 group games)

Y Wissa 7.5m, Meschack Elia 5m

 

Rotation Risk

F Maleye 4.5m, G Diagana 5.5m

 

DR Congo do not get a lot of penalties but Theo Bongonda (6m) was the most recent pen taker.

 

Summary

After missing out on the last AFCON contest, the Leopards are back and back stronger than ever. Starting matchday 1 against Group F rivals Zambia, perhaps I might only recommend Theo Bongonda for now as he appears to be on penalty duty. The others are a wait-and-see.


You can find additional AFCON 2024 Fantasy resources here.

AFCON Fantasy Preview – Morocco

AFCON Fantasy is here and the FPL Manual shares his thoughts on Morocco’s national football team, their best players to consider, and the predicted XI for the Africa Cup of Nations 2024.


Team Profile

  • Name – Morocco
  • Nicknames – Les Lions de l’Atlas (The Atlas Lions)🦁
  • Current World ranking – 13th (1st in Africa)

Morocco became AFCON champions for the first time in 1976, were runners-up once in 2004 and finished third place in 1980.

 

Morocco AFCON 2021 Review

Morocco had a solid finish in Group C of the last AFCON campaign finishing with 7 points. However, the journey would come to a halt after a 2-1 defeat to the Pharaohs in the quarter-finals.

 

Setting New Records 🎖️

Morocco recently achieved a new milestone at the World Cup in Qatar by being the first African nation to make it to the semi-finals. The Atlas Lions are now ranked first in Africa and are major favourites to go all-out and win the tournament.

 

Morocco’s Road to AFCON

On the 27th of March 2023, Morocco secured their spot for a 19th AFCON appearance. With three wins and just one defeat, The Atlas Lions finished top of Group K with nine points scoring eight goals, and conceding only three.

 

Morocco’s Top AFCON Qualifier Performers

Top scorers

  • En-Nesyri – 2 goals
  • A El Kaabi, Faycal Fair, Hakim Ziyech – 1 goal each

Recent form: In their last eight games, Morocco had four wins, three draws, and one defeat in 2023.



Morocco Team News

Official Team list representing Morocco at Cote D’Ivoire:

Morocco Injury Updates
  • “He (Mazraoui) is progressing well in his recovery.” The Moroccan wingback is just recovering from an injury, Mazraoui is racing against fitness and might not be available for Morocco’s first game.
  • Mazraoui was seen recently in individual training and is predicted to be available for MD 2 against DR Congo.

 

Morocco Probable Lineup AFCON 2024

The manager – Walid Regragui tends to stick with a 4-3-3 formation. The Atlas Lions might lineup this way for the tournament:

Note: Mazraoui is a big doubt and might not be involved in MD 1 and MD 2. Attiyah Allah can cover him at LB.



Best Morocco AFCON Fantasy Player Picks

 

Nailed Players

A Hakimi 6.5m, Ziyech 10m, R Saiss 5m, En-Nesyri 9.5m

 

Rotation Risk

A Harit 6m, El Kaabi 6.5m, S Amallah 5.5m

 

I notice that Morocco do not get a lot of penalties, however, Boufal is likely to step up to the spot when one is available.

 

Summary

Heading into this AFCON campaign, Morocco is one of my favourite teams I actually see going far in this contest. Starting matchday 1 against Group F rivals Tanzania, Hakimi, Ziyech and En-Nesyri are my top three RealFevr fantasy assets to consider from the Atlas Lions.


You can find additional AFCON 2024 Fantasy resources here.

AFCON Fantasy Preview – Mali

AFCON Fantasy is here and the FPL Manual shares his thoughts on Mali’s national football team, their best players to consider, and the predicted XI for the Africa Cup of Nations 2024.


Team Profile

  • Name – Mali
  • Nickname – Les Aigles (The Eagles)
  • Current World ranking – 51st (9th in Africa)

The Eagles have never won the Africa Cup of Nations. However, their best result at the tournament was finishing as runners-up in 1972.

 

AFCON 2021 Review

Despite securing the third position in Group F to qualify, the Carthage Eagles surprised many by defeating then Group D leaders, Nigeria in the Round of 16. Unfortunately, their hard work came undone in the quarterfinals when they faced Burkina Faso.

 

Mali’s Road to AFCON

On June 18th, 2023, The Eagles secured their ticket for a 13th AFCON appearance in Cote D’Ivoire. Mali finished as Group leaders in then Group G with 15 points, they had five wins and just one defeat, scoring 15 goals and conceding only two goals.

 

Mali’s Top AFCON Qualifier Performers

Mali’s Top Scorers:

  • M Camara, K Doumbia – 3 goals
  • El Bilal Toure, Ibrahima Kone, Nene Dorgeles – 2 goals
  • K Coulibaly, A Dieng, Adama Traore – 1 goal each


Mali Team News

Below is the Official 27 man squad list representing the Eagles at Cote D’ivoire for AFCON:


Missing key player: Ibrahima Kone ❌

“Ibrahima Koné has suffered a fracture combined with a dislocation and sprain. An explosive cocktail. AFCON over!”

Mali will be without Kone this AFCON after he got injured in a friendly against Uganda last October.

 

A star is born ⭐️

The name Kamory Doumbia has been ringing in my ear for a while but this is only thanks to his consistency for club and country. The 20-year-old scored three goals for the Eagles during the Qualifiers and is currently on a strong league form in the Ligue 1.

 

Style of play

The Eagles tend to prefer a high-press style of play in and out of possession, pushing their opponents to be uncomfortable for 90 minutes until they break and lose the ball. The hunger never ends till the final whistle is blown. In case you missed it, in preparation ahead of the AFCON 2023 preparations Mali got a 6-2 win in a friendly match against Guinea-Bissau. Goal-scorers:

  • Youssouf Niakaté ⚽️
  • Kamory Doumbia⚽️
  • Lassana Coulibaly⚽️
  • Falaye Sacko⚽️
  • Néné Dorgeles ⚽️⚽️

 

Mali Probable Lineup AFCON 2024

Mali’s head coach Éric Chelle is very straightforward and mostly uses the 4-3-3 formation (on paper) but when in transition, it tends to change into a narrow 4-3-1-2 formation. Here’s how Mali could lineup for AFCON 2023:

Before I reel out the fantasy picks, I would like to answer a few questions. For example, who is on penalties? We don’t know for sure, as the last pen taken was by Lassine Sinayoko is not a regular on the team. Koita might be the next taker (5/6 for Club) according to @FPL_Maxime.

 

Is Sikou Niakate nailed? No. Not at all the 4m defender has only made three caps for his country and only got one start during the qualifier. Sikou Niakate is far from nailed and I don’t know who started that rumor he ever was but they should be flogged, just kidding.



Best Mali AFCON Fantasy Players

 

Nailed Players

K Doumbia 6m, Y Bissouma 5.5m, S Koita 6m, H Traore 5m

 

Rotation Risk

F Sacko 4.5m, S Niakate 4m, L Sinayoko 5m

 

Still not certain who makes the #1 goalie but Diawara made more caps during the AFCON qualifiers, so I believe it’s him.

 

Summary

Mali may not have the most formidable team like others do but their cohesion, team spirit, and style of play are quite unique and this will make them stand out. Starting Group E against South Africa, K Doumbia & Hamari Traore are my top two assets to target going forward.

 

Just a little review/extra note: Massadio Haidara is not in the final squad, Moussa Diarra (4m) the LB might be a regular as he started the recent friendly but Amadou Dante (4m) made more caps during the AFCON qualifiers. Watch this space carefully.


You can find additional AFCON 2024 Fantasy resources here.

AFCON Fantasy Preview – Tunisia

AFCON Fantasy is here and the FPL Manual shares his thoughts on Tunisia’s national football team, their best players to consider, and the predicted XI for the Africa Cup of Nations 2024.


Team Profile

  • Name – Tunisia
  • Nickname – Les Aigles de Carthage (The Eagles of Carthage)
  • Current World Ranking – 28th (3rd in Africa)

Tunisia has claimed the AFCON title once in 2004 and was the runner-up in 1965. Since 1964, the Carthage Eagles stand out as the only African nation that has not missed an AFCON tournament, setting a record with an impressive streak of 16 consecutive appearances.

 

AFCON 2021 Review

Despite securing the third position in Group F to qualify, the Carthage Eagles surprised many by defeating then Group D leaders, Nigeria in the Round of 16. Unfortunately, their hard work came undone in the quarterfinals when they faced Burkina Faso.

 

Tunisia’s Road to AFCON

On the 28th of March 2023, Tunisia secured its spot in Cote D’Ivoire. This would make it their 21st AFCON appearance in the competition, the Carthage Eagles finished top of Group J with 13 points (4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 defeat) scoring 11 goals, and conceding only once.

 

Tunisia’s Top AFCON Qualifier Performers

Top scorers

  • Youssef Msakni – 5 goals
  • Jouini – 2 goals
  • Velaphi, Sliti, Jaziri, Maaloul – 1 goal each

Recent form: In their last nine games, Tunisia have five wins, one draw, and three defeats in 2023

Msakni is on penalty duty for the Carthage Eagles.



Tunisia Team News

Official Tunisia squad list ready for business at Cote D’Ivoire:

Noticeably dropped player: Hannibal Mejbri. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Mejbri dropped out of the Tunisia team so he can leave Manchester United and get more playing time on loan. Best of luck, Mejbri!

 

AFCON Record in the making

  • 98 caps⭐️
  • 22 goals for his nation ⚽️

History is about to be made as The Tunisia skipper is set to make his 8th AFCON appearance joining previous AFCON elites like Rigobert Song and Ahmed Hassan.

 

Tunisia Probable Lineup AFCON 2024

The Carthage Eagles boss – Jalel Kadri tends to try a few formations with either a 3-4-3/4-4-2 shape. However, the 4-3-3 formation could perhaps be the formation that gets the job done. This is how the Tunis lads could line up for AFCON 2023:

 

Style of play

Conceding just a goal during the AFCON qualifiers, Tunisia seems to have a reliable defence. However, it seems to be more promising in their attack, as Tunisia tends to make a good account of themselves from set-piece play.

 

Before I reel out the fantasy picks, a few things to note from Tunisian supporter @samiestt:

  • Concerning the main goalie – “Ben Said is expected to become a starter in the last two matches of the World Cup qualifiers in light of the decline in Dahmane’s level.”
  • Concerning the Left Back position (Abdi vs Maaloul) – “Al-Abidi is not a surprise. He has been a starter for a year and a half with Tunisia, and Maaloul (5m) is on the bench (against Mauritania).”
  • Concerning who is on set-piece duty – “Abdi and Sliti if starts.”


Best Tunisia AFCON Fantasy Players

 

Nailed Players

Msakni (7.5m), Abdi (4.5m), Ben Said (4.5m), Shkiri (5.5m)

 

Fairly Nailed: (play 70 mins or play 2/3 group games)

Sliti (7m), Achouri (6m)

 

Rotation Risk

Maaloul (5m), Hamza Rafia (5m), Dahman (5m), Jouini (6m)

 

Summary

Having reached the quarter-finals in AFCON 2021, the experienced Tunisia team currently ranked 3rd in Africa is ready for another successful tournament. Facing Namibia in Matchday 1, Msanki, Abdi, and Skhiri are the top RealFevr fantasy assets to consider.


You can find additional AFCON 2024 Fantasy resources here.