Willard Katsande makes AFCON Best XI for Group Stage despite Zimbabwe's early exit
Warriors skipper Willard Katsande was named in the Best XI of the Africa Cup of Nations Group Stage. Despite the fact that Zimbabwe finished the tournament with a single point after a draw and no wins, Katsande’s was picked in the best eleven by renowned football website, ESPNFC.
Writing for ESPNFC, James Ames praised Katsande for appearing all over the pitch and providing a firm foundation for the Warriors’ attacking play.
Speaking of Katsande, Ames says:
This may have been the Zimbabwe captain’s last action in international football, and if that is the case, it was hardly a bad way to go. In their shock draw with Algeria he marshaled the minnows superbly, appearing all over the pitch and providing a solid base from which his attacking colleagues could break. He also helped steady the ship after a torrid start against Senegal, bringing his experience to bear once more.
The Best XI also includes Kara Mbodji and Sadio Mane of Senegal as well as Tunisian Wahbi Khazri. These players battled against the Warriors in the Group B and the last two proved a thorn in the Warriors’ side with each of them scoring against Zimbabwe. Interestingly enough, highly rated Algerian players Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani did not make the final eleven, showing that Katsande’s performances were rated highly. No other Warrior made the squad.
Here is the Best XI of the Africa Cup of Nations Group Stage
More: ESPNFC
