The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations provides up-and-coming players with the perfect opportunity to strut their stuff, and here we look at the star performers from Day 11.
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Burkina Faso v Zambia
Another excellent outing from Emmanuel Mayuka will have done nothing to harm his footballing resumé as he impressed in Zambia's final outing at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
The striker, who finished the 2012 installment as the Golden Boot winner, had earned the penalty against Nigeria that kept the Copper Bullets' hopes of qualifying alive as they headed into Tuesday's match. He once again caught the eye with some industrious play while his tireless running kept the opposition defenders honest.
The 22-year-old was unlucky to have been shown a yellow card for simulation when replays showed he had been upended right on the edge of the area. However, he also showed few signs of inexperience by giving away some needless free-kicks when forced to defend in his own half.
And despite not having been able to find the vital goal that would have seen his side through to the quarter-finals, the Southampton forward will have taken plenty of heart from his performances in South Africa. With Chipolopolo out of the competition, Mayuka will now train his sights on furthering his football education at Southampton and hopefully help the Saints preserve their Premier League status.
Ethiopia v Nigeria
Efe Ambrose was one of the standout performers apart from the well-known Victor Moses, as the Super Eagles brushed aside the Walya Antelopes to progress to the quarter-finals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Nigerians had the Ethiopians pinned well into their own half more much of the clash and as a result Ambrose was able to join in the attack on regular intervals.
The 24-year-old fashioned a few wonderful crosses for Ikechukwu Uche and Emmanuel Emenike to attack. Although his target shooting could have been better, the defender was not afraid to shoot from range.
Ambrose plays his football for Scottish Premier League side Celtic after joining the Glasgow giants in 2012 following spells with Nigerian outfit Kaduna United and Israeli side FC Ashdod.
Should the Super Eagles fail to progress to the finals, Ambrose will return to his club in time for their titanic clash against Juventus in the Champions League.
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