This was partly done through memory and partly through the use of BBC, Guardian & Transfermarkt.

It may be of interest from a general point of view or from those playing AFCON fantasy football.

It was a bit of fun (I think I’ll try it out on SIM matches on EFootball but I’m not actually going to put this out to play a ‘real’ team, so take it like a pinch of salt really) and is a bit of an experiment.

| XI |

| Goalkeeper |

Onana

Representing Cameroon and goalkeeper for Ajax.

| Defenders |

Hakimi

The PSG full back is part of Morocco’s squad and is super attacking.

Boly

Is involved for the Ivory Coast, has not featured for Wolves this season, but is at AFCON and on his day is a top defender.

Ndidi

The Nigerian can play centre back, and I put him in here out of necessity, but he can fill in there I think!

Aurier

Similar with Aurier, he can play in either full back spot, and represents the Ivory Coast at AFCON.

| Midfielders |

Kessie

The Ivorian plays his club football for AC Milan.

Partey

The Arsenal player represents Ghana.

Keita

One of three Liverpool players in this XI and squad, Keita represents Guinea.

| Forwards |

Salah

The Egyptian King is the top scorer in the Premier League in 2021/22 and is a hero in Egypt, as well as for Liverpool.

Aubameyang (may not be available for the first match).

Representing Gabon, the Arsenal player is seemingly out of favour with the North London club and is being linked away, but boosts a rough 1 in 2 goal scoring record (is a threat when he is on form).

Mané

Representing Senegal, only a handfull of players have scored more goals in the Premier League than the Liverpool forward this season.

| Subs (7) { Form on EFootball can change from game to game, therefore, any of these subs can make it in the XI that I put together). |

Bounou

Representing Morocco and plays his football in Spain for Sevilla.

Elneny

Is part of Egypt’s squad and is part of Arsenal’s squad when available for selection.

Lemina (may not be available for Gabon’s first match).

May be familiar with Fulham fans and is part of Gabon’s squad for AFCON.

Pepe

May be a fresh option for Ivory Coast (match fitness/form depending) as the Arsenal attacker has not had too many starts in club football this campaign, and is a talented and exciting player on his day.

Mahrez

The talented Manchester City attacker is off the back off decent form, has a reasonable amount of goals this season (hasn’t started every league match) and is a key player for Algeria.

Toko-Ekambia

Plays his football in France for Lyon and represents Cameroon.

Haller

Banging them in for Ajax, particularly in the Champions League, and now represents Ivory Coast.