The Group stage of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon ended on Thursday with sixteen countries making it to the knockout stages.

Some players stood out with excellent performances for their various countries as they progressed to the next stage. Times Sport brings to you five best players in the Group stages.

5- Jim Allevinah (Gabon)

The Clermont Foot striker has been Coach Patrice Neveu's secret card in the ongoing AFCON in Cameroon.

He has stepped in the shoes of Aubameyang who is yet to feature in the competition with some breathtaking performances. A very versatile player, Allevinah who was born in France to a Gabonese father and a French mother is capable of playing everywhere upfront and even as an offensive midfielder.

Allevinah climbed off the bench to net an 88th minute equalizer against Ghana before netting his side's opening goal in the 2-2 draw with Morocco

4-Ivan Salvador (Equatorial Guinea)

The talented forward has been very key to the fortunes of "Nzalang" in the ongoing AFCON in Cameroon.

Despite providing one assist in three games, he has been one of the main men in attack for the Central African country. His link up play has been excellent and his performance against Ivory Coast and Algeria where he won the man of the match in the 1-0 win is seen among the best in the competition.

3-Moses Simon (Nigeria)

The Nantes winger netted one goal and provided one assist in the three games the Super Eagles played in the Group stages. He also has one man of the match award under his belt.

He has been tormenting opponents on the flanks with his electric pace and has been very instrumental in all the Super Eagles victories.

2-Musah Barrow (Gambia)

What a performance from the Bologna attacker in his maiden AFCON. Barrow has netted once and provided two assists in three games for his country and has also won two man of the match awards.

He has been one of the stars of the tournament and if the Scorpions go past the round of 16, he will have had a major say.

1-Vincent Abubakar

Five goals in three Group games, the Cameroonian skipper has been on fire. The Al Nasr forward has been scoring freely in the competition as he has promised to deliver the Indomitable Lions their fifth AFCON trophy.

A predator inside the box, Abubakar has also exhibited leadership qualities which is helping his team to move forward.