10 Biggest Stars of the 2013 African Cup of Nations so Far

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The group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations are now done and dusted, as we look forward to the quarter-finals.

There have been some great individual performances so far. Some from players that we'll be seeing more of in the quarters and beyond. Some from players who will be going home early with their reputations enhanced.

Here's the 10 biggest stars of the 2013 African Cup of Nations so far.

10. Asamoah Gyan

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There's always a player in a tournament that starts slowly and then bursts into life. At Afcon 2013, that man could be Ghana's Asamoah Gyan.

Gyan put in a commanding performance in Ghana's 3-0 win over Niger in their final group game. Not only did he get on the score-sheet himself, but Gyan also set up the other two goals to complete a masterclass of attacking play.

With Cape Verde waiting for Gyan and Ghana in the last eight, the former Sunderland striker should have the opportunity to play in the latter stages of this tournament and make a similar impression as he managed in the 2010 World Cup.

9. John Obi Mikel

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The Chelsea midfielder might have suffered the embarrassment of missing a penalty in Nigeria's opening game, but he's still been their best player in this tournament.

John Obi Mikel hasn't surprised anyone with his defensive-capabilities in midfield, but it has been his long-passing that has really impressed.

Nigeria may not have quite found their rhythm in the tournament, but Mikel is one player that already looks on form.

8. Emmanuel Emenike

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The powerful striker has long been a goalscoring threat at club level, boasting a fine record at Karabukspor of Turkey and latterly Spartak Moscow of Russia.

Now the goals seem to be flowing for Nigeria. Emmanuel Emenike was on target during the opening two games and will lead Nigeria's attack in the exciting quarter-final fixture against Ivory Coast.

Emenike has claimed that Manchester City are interested in bringing him to the Premier League. This tournament won't have done anything to have reduced that likelihood. 

7. Fernando Varela

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The Cape Verde defender has been the most influential player in Cape Verde's march to the quarter-finals. 

He was superb in the goalless draw against South Africa in the opening game. He then kept Morocco at bay, before scoring a vital equalising goal in the final group game against Angola.

Cape Verde will know that they will have their work cut out against Ghana and it will be Fernando Varela that they look to for defensive solidity.

6. Gervinho

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There's not many fans of European clubs who welcome one of their players being picked for the Africa Cup of Nations and missing several games.

Arsenal fans might be the exception when it comes to Gervinho. The Ivory Coast attacker has been in pretty shocking form for the Gunners this season, but he's seems to be enjoying his football again out in South Africa.

Gervinho scored in Ivory Coast's opening two fixtures and has generally looked a different player to the one that's been so hapless in North London. 

5. Kennedy Mweene

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The Zambia goalkeeper was one of the major stars of the 2012 tournament. Kennedy Mweene both scored and saved a spot-kick, during a penalty shoot-out in the competition final against Ivory Coast, to help his country to victory in the competition.

Subsequently named as the best goalkeeper of that tournament, Mweene has carried on where he left off. 

Mweene scores a penalty in the 1-1 draw against Nigeria and also manage to save two during the group stages. Zambia failed to progress to the knockout stages, but Mweene has already made his case to be named as the tournament's best goalkeeper for a second time.

4. Itumeleng Khune

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Another goalkeeper to impress during this tournament is Itumeleng Khune. He might not have scored any penalties, but he's really caught the eye with his shot-stopping ability.

The South African keeper was in brilliant form against Morocco and kept clean sheets against Cape Verde and Angola, as the hosts upset the odds to qualify for the knockout stages.

3. Alain Traore

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The Burkina Faso striker is currently the top scorer in the competition with three goals, but he's unlikely to remain it.

During his team's final group game against Zambia, Alain Traore picked up an injury that has ruled him out of the rest of the tournament. 

The Lorient striker was vital to Burkina Faso qualifying for the knockout stages. He scored an injury time equaliser against Nigeria, before striking twice against Ethiopia.

2. Yaya Toure

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Yaya Toure was always likely to be one of the biggest stars at this tournament. Since moving to Manchester City from Barcelona, Toure has proved that he's far more than a mere holding-midfielder, injecting the drive into a team that won the Premier League.

The Ivorian has been the best player for his country so far, despite only featuring in the first two games before being rested against Algeria. Toure was on target in the wins over Togo and Tunisia.

1. Seydou Keita

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No team is more reliant on one player than Mali are on the former Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita.

Keita is at the heart of everything for Mali. Dropping back to help the defence and bursting forward to help the attack. The 33-year old's performances have belied his age.