Gbeminiyi
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to kick off on January 13th in Côte d’Ivoire, with some of the continent’s biggest football stars ready to lead their countries in pursuit of the prestigious title.
The tournament features 24 of Africa’s top national teams and will run through February 11th. As the competition approaches, here are 10 players who could make a major impact and are worth keeping an eye on over the next month:
1. Sadio Mané (Senegal)
Captain of the reigning African champions. He will look to lead Senegal to a second straight AFCON title after his heroics led them to glory in 2021.
Despite leaving Bayern Munich for Saudi Arabia, Mané has shown no signs of slowing down and remains the lead man for a formidable Senegalese squad.
2. Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon)
Hosts Cameroon will lean heavily on their captain Aboubakar, who was the top scorer at the 2021 tournament. His combination of power and clinical finishing could fire the Indomitable Lions to their sixth AFCON crown on home soil.
3. Sébastien Haller (Ivory Coast)
In his first AFCON representing Ivory Coast, Haller will hope to translate his superb form for Ajax to help lead the Elephants’ pursuit of a third continental title. His intelligent movement and aerial threat make him a nightmare for defenders.
4. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Arguably Africa’s biggest star right now, Salah will be hungry to lead Egypt to a record-extending eighth AFCON triumph after a disappointing showing in 2021. His speed, trickery and sensational left foot could take the Pharaohs all the way.
5. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Recently crowned African Player of the Year, Osimhen comes into the tournament full of confidence. His blistering pace and clinical finishing will be crucial if Nigeria is to capture their fourth AFCON title.
6. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)
A relative Relatively unknown 12 months ago, Ounahi’s stock skyrocketed after a stellar 2022 World Cup showing. His box-to-box energy and technical quality make him a key cog in Morocco’s midfield as they chase a second AFCON crown.
7. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)
After impressing for Ajax this season, the versatile Kudus will hope to translate that form to the national team. He can operate anywhere across the front line or midfield, with his dribbling and long-range shooting posing a constant threat.
8. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)
With extensive French league experience, Guirassy’s intelligent movement and link play will be crucial if Guinea are to improve on their runner-up finish in 2019. His aerial prowess also makes him a scoring threat.
9. Mohamed Amoura (Algeria)
Despite his tender age of 23, Amoura has cemented himself as a key attacking outlet for Algeria. His direct running and dribbling abilities could unlock stubborn defenses as Algeria look to make amends for their disastrous 2021 showing.
10. Peter Shalulile (Namibia)
He was the top scorer in South Africa’s league last season and provides most of the attacking thrust for Namibian outsiders. His energy, work rate and eye for goal make him a handful for any defense.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has gathered many of the continent’s best players. Superstars like Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Victor Osimhen will look to lead their countries to glory. Their world-class attacking talents could produce many moments of magic.
Teams that rely on their star players are likely to go far in the tournament. The AFCON will see the emergence of new African stars too. Some lesser known names could also shine on this big stage.
