African football: Sport News Africa's 11 stars who lit up 2022

After 12 months of competition, wild moments and historic occasions, we have reached the end of 2022. So the Sport news Africa editorial team has picked its team of the year. It lines up in a 4-3-3, with Yassine Bounou in goal.

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bonou (Morocco)

It was a close call between him and Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, but the Moroccan gets the nod because of his upward trajectory. The Atlas Lion has established himself as an undisputed first choice at Sevilla and for his country. Winning the Zamora trophy, awarded to the best goalkeeper in La Liga, is proof of his rise. He repeated those performances at the 2022 World Cup with Morocco. Solid on his line, Bounou helped his country write a piece of history for an entire continent in the competition.

Right-back: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

He needs no introduction. Since leaving Real Madrid, the Moroccan defender has kept impressing with his athletic and technical qualities. From Dortmund to Paris Saint-Germain via Inter, Achraf Hakimi has proved his worth. For his country he has become one of the key figures in the side, and he showed it again at the 2022 World Cup. His fine displays at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are also fondly remembered, when he scored two superb direct free-kicks.

Centre-back: Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal)

The Rock or the General: the former Napoli man has plenty of nicknames. Captain of the Lions of Teranga, Koulibaly stood out for his solidity, composure and leadership. With Abdou Diallo alongside him at the heart of the Senegal defence, he helped win the country's first AFCON. Although he is struggling at Chelsea at the moment, the Senegal international remains a reliable performer who shone in 2022. He was also assured at the World Cup in Qatar, even scoring the goal that sent Senegal through against Ecuador (2-1).

Centre-back: Romain Saïss (Morocco)

A mainstay at Wolverhampton, the solid Morocco defender moved to Besiktas last July and continues to shine. A charismatic leader and rigorous defender, Romain Saïss stood out above all with the Moroccan national team. After a quarter-final exit at the 2021 AFCON, Morocco went to the 2022 World Cup with far greater ambition. Led by captain Saïss, Morocco made a splash by finishing 4th in the competition. The former Angers man was noted for his courage and his ability to play out from the back. Alongside Aguerd, he formed a fine defensive pairing.

Left-back: Saliou Ciss (Senegal)

His absence from the 2022 World Cup for lack of a club surprised many. Dazzling at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, it was unthinkable to see him without a club a few months later. Down the flank for the national team, Saliou Ciss made repeated forward runs, constantly posing a threat. He formed an excellent partnership with Sadio Mané, and their absence at the World Cup in Qatar weighed heavily on the game of the Lions of Teranga.

Midfielder: Franck Kessié (Ivory Coast)

Even though Ivory Coast got no further than the last 16 at the 2021 AFCON, Franck Kessié also stood out in that tournament and throughout the 2021-2022 season with Milan. The Ivory Coast international contributed hugely to the Milan side's title triumph before joining FC Barcelona last summer.

Midfielder: Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)

A thunderous and very intelligent midfielder, Amrabat contributed enormously to his country's exceptional run at the World Cup (2022). A modern defensive midfielder, the Fiorentina player excelled above all through his physical workrate and numerous interceptions, as well as his ability to help his team build with the ball. Since the end of the World Cup, he has attracted interest from many clubs, notably Liverpool.

Midfielder: Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

A Ghanaian gem, Kudus is shining at Ajax and growing in stature. He has 5 goals this season, but mostly he is building on last season's form. His fine performances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Ghana are proof of that. The Black Star stood out for his thrust and his efficiency in front of goal. His versatility gives his coaches plenty of options, as they can use him in midfield or out wide. It is doubtful he will stay long in the Netherlands.

Forward: Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Highly effective, the Egyptian has stood out for his consistency at the top level for some years now. After defeat in the 2021 AFCON final against Senegal (0-0, 4-2 on penalties) and elimination in the World Cup play-offs (2022), again against the Senegalese, Mohamed Salah carried on his season with Liverpool. He finished with 23 goals and 13 assists. Superb numbers for the Egyptian. With Sadio Mané's departure, he has become the undisputed leader of the Reds and he continues to shine (6 goals and 3 assists).

Forward: Sadio Mané (Senegal)

African champion, best player of the AFCON, African Player of the Year and runner-up (2nd) in the France Football Ballon d'Or, 2022 will surely be an unforgettable year for the Senegalese forward. Sadio Mané sparked debate with his extraordinary performances. He was the attacking leader of the Lions of Teranga all year, to the point that his absence from the 2022 World Cup caused chaos back home. Sadio was also an important player for his club Liverpool before heading off to Bayern last summer. Recovering from his injury, Sadio Mané is gradually getting back up to speed. We hope to see him back soon. In the meantime, he is brushing up on his German.

Forward: Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon)

The 2021 AFCON was played in his country, and it came close to staying there. Top scorer of the tournament (8 goals), Vincent Aboubakar carried his team to the semi-finals, where they were stopped by Egypt's impenetrable block. They consoled themselves with 3rd place. The Cameroon international emerged as the leader of the Indomitable Lions. As captain, he showed unfailing commitment and disconcerting efficiency. He repeated that at the 2022 World Cup, even though he had lost his place in the starting line-up. He changed the course of the match against Serbia (3-3) and scored the winner against Brazil. That allowed them to leave with their heads held high, even if they could have done better.

The substitutes:

Édouard Mendy (Senegal), Mohamed Abdelmonem (Egypt), Edmon Tapsoba (Burkina Fasso), Abdou Diallo (Senegal), Yahya Attiatallah (Morocco), Ibrahim Sangaré (Ivory Coast), Idrissa Gana Gueye, Blati Touré (Burkina Fasso), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria), Karl Toko Ekambi (Cameroon)