The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations provides up-and-coming players with the perfect opportunity to strut their stuff.
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Predict result and win big with Soccer6
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These are the players who caught the eye on day 12 of the competition.
Algeria v Ivory Coast
Although already 25 years of age, El Arbi Soudani is still a relatively unknown in the world of football, but his performance for Algeria in their final Group D match will have done much to raise his stock.
The Vitoria SC forward was in inspired form for the Fennec Foxes right from the off and won them an early penalty, although he saw team-mate Ryad Boudebouz fire the spot-kick against the post. He continued to work hard in attack and put some telling balls into the area while also working a nice shooting chance only to mis-hit his effort.
However, he finally got his reward with a powerful headed goal, which he thoroughly deserved, and will be hoping to hear from his agent soon with an offer from one of Europe's big-name clubs.
Togo v Tunisia
Serge Gakpe, a French-born attacking midfielder is hardly an unknown quantity, plying his trade in Belgium with Standard Liege, but will surely have earned himself some new admirers following a highly-competent display in the 1-1 draw with Tunisia.
He linked with well with Emmanuel Adebayor all night and took his chance expertly, putting his side into the ascendancy with a clever finish across the advancing goalkeeper when it looked as if he had been forced far too wide of the goal.
He drifted from the wings to a central position making him very difficult to mark, his solid first touch and composure in attack helped bring others into play, while his range of passing and crossing was also impressive
A France international through all the age groups from U16 to U21, Gakpe who counts Monaco and FC Nantes as some of his former teams will be a certain starter for his side's quarter-final clash with Burkina Faso.
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