The stars of the AFCON group stage

A thrilling 2023 Africa Cup of Nations so far has seen underdog stories, shock exits and late drama all in equal measure.

The likes of Algeria and Ghana have been sent packing in the group stage, with lesser-fancied nations such as Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde and Mauritania still going strong.

With the group stage now done and dusted, we look at the standout stars in the Ivory Coast.

Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea)

It was quite the group-stage campaign for Equatorial Guinea's right-back-turned-goalscorer Emiliano Nsue.

The 34-year-old former Middlesbrough and Birmingham star has scored five times across three group games, including a hat-trick against Guinea-Bissau — the first AFCON treble by any player since 2008.

After helping the Nzalang Nacional finish top of Group A above one of the tournament favourites in Nigeria and hosts Ivory Coast, they will need Nsue on top form if they are to get the better of Guinea in the last 16.

Trezeguet (Egypt)

Mohamed Salah's injury has dealt a crushing blow to Egypt — but Trezeguet's efforts have meant the Liverpool star has so far not been missed.

The former Aston Villa forward, who now plies his trade in Turkey with Trabzonspor, came off the bench to score a crucial stoppage-time equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw with Cape Verde, booking the Pharaohs' place in the knockout stages in dramatic fashion.

With an assist in that game as well as in a draw with Ghana, Trezeguet continues to exhibit a penchant for contributing at crucial moments.

Babacar Niasse (Mauritania)

Mauritania have been another feel-good story at the tournament after defying the odds to seal a knockout place as one of the best third-place finishers.

But things could have been a lot different for the minnows had it not been for goalkeeper Babacar Niasse, who made an incredible 12 saves across their three group clashes.

That includes a heroic performance to stun Algeria 1-0, allowing the West Africans to progress and consign the Desert Foxes to an embarrassing early exit.

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Ghana have suffered a similar fate to Algeria but that was not due to a lack of effort from their star man Mohammed Kudus.

The West Ham favourite had been in fine form in Ivory Coast, scoring twice in a Man of the Match display against Egypt — the first of which was one of the goals of the tournament so far.

After the Black Stars' late collapse against Mozambique, the 23-year-old may wonder what could have been for him at AFCON 2023 given the way he had performed individually.

Lamine Camara (Senegal)

There were no such issues for Senegal in the group stage with three wins, eight goals scored and just one conceded.

And while former Liverpool star Sadio Mane has grabbed much of the attention for the defending champions, 20-year-old sensation Lamine Camara has equally caught the eye.

Metz' attacking midfielder Camara will challenge Kudus for goal of the tournament with his delightful curled effort, which was his second of the game against Gambia.

After officially being named the Young Player of the Group Stage, Camara will have European clubs watching on keenly should he help the Lions of Teranga enjoy another deep AFCON run.