Africa XI: Man Utd Star Named Best Defender Ahead Of Ekong; Ajayi Beats Mane Best AM

Bursaspor defender William Troost-Ekong missed out on being named to the CAF Finest XI even though he came first in the Twitter poll.

The final collation of results by the Confederation of African Football revealed that Manchester United star Eric Bailly was picked as one of the central defenders in a 3-4-3 formation.

The Ivory Coast national-teamer garnered 8,500 votes to place first ahead of Ekong, who got 3,300 votes; Ahmed Fathi (Egypt, Al Ahly) and Ali Maâloul (Tunisia, Al Ahly) were the other defenders selected.

Nigeria U23 international Junior Ajayi was top of the pops at the offensive midfield position after claiming 20,400 votes.

The Al Ahly star had been shortlisted along with Liverpool winger Sadio Mane and popular Algeria international Yacine Brahimi.

Mohamed Ounnajem was the highest-voted right winger (21,500), ahead of Chelsea's Victor Moses who had 7,800 votes.

CAF Team of the Year

Aymen Mathlouthi; Ahmed Fathi, Ali Maalou, Eric Bailly; Mohamed Ounnajem, Achraf Bencharki, Karim El Ahmad, Junior Ajayi; Taha Yassine Khenissi, Mohamed Salah, Khalid Boutaib

Ifeanyi Emmanuel