Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan says that Egyptian shot stopper Mohamed Abou Gabal aka Gabaski should have been named the best goalkeeper of the African Cup of Nations instead of Senegal's Edourd Mendy.

Gabaski was one of the best goalkeepers of the tournament despite his country losing to Senegal in the final.

The Zamalek shot-stopper began the tournament as Egypt’s second-choice goalkeeper but was thrust between the sticks following the injury of Al Shenawy.

However, he quickly settled in seamlessly, saving a penalty as the Pharaohs beat Ivory Coast on penalties in the round of 16.

He was again the hero when Egypt defeated Cameroon on penalties in the semifinals of the tournament.

However, Gabaski wasn’t third time lucky as Egypt lost 4-2 on penalties to Senegal in the final on Sunday.


Speaking as a pundit on Super Sports, Ghana's all time top scorer agreed with many who felt Gabaski was miles above any goalie at the tournament.

“For me, I feel Gabaski has got that positive energy he uses to follow the team. For ten years, for him to be a second goalkeeper, there’s something he is doing behind the scenes to help the players.

“Even when he’s on the field, the way he controls them you would see he’s a motivator. That’s why he’s been there all these years and when he had his chance, he was able to deliver. For me, I feel he was the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

“No disrespect to Mendy but he [Gabaski] did everything to keep Egypt in the tournament,” Gyan said on SuperSport after the final match.