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CAN 2017

Five star players from the group stage of the Cup of Nations

Following the conclusion of the group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations, we single out five players who have made their mark on the competition so far.

Update:
Stewards chat next to empty seats ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group A football match between Zimbabwe and Tunisia at the Stade de l'Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville on January 23, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS
GABRIEL BOUYSAFP

Burkina Faso vs Egypt

Following the conclusion of the group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations, we pick out five players who have made their mark on the competition so far:

Denis Bouanga (Gabon)

In a disappointing campaign for the hosts, the performances of Bouanga stood out. The 22-year-old French-born winger, whose father is from Gabon, set up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's goal in the opening draw with Guinea-Bissau. He was the main source of danger for the Panthers throughout their three draws and agonisingly hit the post in injury time in the 0-0 stalemate with Cameroon that sealed their elimination. He was later seen in tears as he collected his man of the match award. He will now go back to Tours in the French second tier, where he is currently on loan from Lorient in France's top flight. In the meantime, Gabon will hope he can remain a key player in the side as they look to qualify for next year's World Cup.

Denis Athanase Bouanga of Gabon evades tackle from Christian Bassogog of Cameroon during the 2017 African Cup of Nations match between Cameroon and Gabon at the Libreville Stadium in Gabon on 22 January 2017.
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Denis Athanase Bouanga of Gabon evades tackle from Christian Bassogog of Cameroon during the 2017 African Cup of Nations match between Cameroon and Gabon at the Libreville Stadium in Gabon on 22 January 2017.Gavin BarkerEFE

Christian Bassogog (Cameroon)

Cameroon were written off by almost everyone after several big-name players refused call ups to Hugo Broos's squad. But this young side qualified for the last eight at the expense of the hosts. One of their most impressive performers was Bassogog, the 21-year-old winger with Danish side Aalborg who formerly played in the United States. He was a lively presence throughout the group stage and notably set up Michael Ngadeu's all-important winner against Guinea-Bissau.

Cameroon's midfielder Christian Bassogog arrives wears headphones as he arrives for a training session in Libreville on January 19, 2017, during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations football tournament in Gabon.
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Cameroon's midfielder Christian Bassogog arrives wears headphones as he arrives for a training session in Libreville on January 19, 2017, during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations football tournament in Gabon.GABRIEL BOUYSAFP

Junior Kabananga (DR Congo)

Kabananga achieved something that nobody else managed in the group stage, scoring in all three matches. The giant 27-year-old forward, who plays his club football in Kazakhstan, netted the only goal in a 1-0 opening defeat of Morocco and then his side's second in a 2-2 draw with the Ivory Coast. Against Togo on Tuesday, he showed power and strength as he ran through to get the first goal and he also hit the post in a 3-1 win. The former Anderlecht man was seen as a flop in Belgium but is now one of the main reasons why DR Congo are one of the favourites to win the trophy.

Democratic Republic of the Congo's forward Junior Kabananga celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Ivory Coast and DR Congo in Oyem on January 20, 2017
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Democratic Republic of the Congo's forward Junior Kabananga celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Ivory Coast and DR Congo in Oyem on January 20, 2017ISSOUF SANOGOAFP

Yves Bissouma (Mali)

Mali bowed out with little more than a whimper but the 20-year-old made a big impression. His cameo from the bench in his team's opening 0-0 draw with Egypt had Malians demanding that the talented Ivory Coast-born midfielder start their next game against Ghana. Once more coach Alain Giresse left him out before bringing him on for the second half in a 1-0 defeat. When he finally started against Uganda on Wednesday, Bissouma netted Mali's goal in a 1-1 draw from a bullet of a free-kick from 30 yards. It was not enough to prevent his country from an early elimination and he will now return to his French club Lille.

Mali's midfielder Yves Bissouma controls the ball during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Uganda and Mali in Oyem on January 25, 2017.
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Mali's midfielder Yves Bissouma controls the ball during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Uganda and Mali in Oyem on January 25, 2017.ISSOUF SANOGOAFP

Essam El Hadary (Egypt)

One of only four survivors from the last Egypt side to come to the Africa Cup of Nations -- and win it -- in 2010, El Hadary turned 44 two days before their first game against Mali. He came off the bench in the first half of that match for injured team-mate Ahmed El Shennawy and became the oldest player ever at the competition. He can clearly still perform as well, keeping a clean sheet in that game and then again in 1-0 wins over Uganda and Ghana that saw the Pharaohs top their group.

Egypt's goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary
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Egypt's goalkeeper Essam El-HadaryJUSTIN TALLISAFP