The kickoff of the 2023 AFCON tournament is only eighteen days away. Slated to occur in Ivory Coast from January 13th to February 11th, there is great anticipation for the event.
1-Silas Mvupa Katompa – Congo DR, VFB Stuttgart
VFB Stuttgart is currently trailing Bayern Munich by a mere four points on the Bundesliga table after completing sixteen matchdays and is actively vying for a position in the Champions League. Silas, a quick winger, has played a pivotal role in the success of Sebastian Hoeneß’s team this season. Having scored three goals and provided one assist in eight starts, he is set to lead Congo’s attack in the coming month.
2-Mohammed Salah, representing Egypt and playing for Liverpool
Salah is a highly acclaimed football personality who requires no elaborate introduction. As a two-time African Footballer of the Year, he has strived three times to clinch victory in the competition. His most recent effort in 2021 concluded with a defeat in the final to Senegal, led by Sadio Mane, with penalties determining the outcome. The Liverpool winger is determined to attain a better result in the upcoming tournament.
In a few days' time, Africa will be vibrating to the rhythm of the 34th edition of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON with an array of African football talent on display. Here are the Top 10 players to watch out.#Football #AfricanFootball #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 #AFCON2023 #CAN2023 pic.twitter.com/NbQnExrIbq
— Spot Kick (@SpotKick254) January 10, 2024
3-Serhou Yadaly Guirassy – Guinea, VFB Stuttgart
having scored seventeen goals in twelve Bundesliga matches, placing him second only to Harry Kane in the league’s goal-scoring charts. This positions Guirassy as a notably intriguing player to watch in Ivory Coast next year. Guinea, positioned in Group C alongside Cameroon, Gambia, and Senegal, will present his talents in the tournament.
4-Victor Osimhen, representing Nigeria and playing for Napoli
Holds the 8th position in the Ballon d’Or rankings and has been recognized with the African Player of the Year award, marking an exceptional year in his career. He is ready to leverage this success to lead the Super Eagles to triumph. Despite encountering setbacks in 2021 due to an injury, the 24-year-old is determined to lead Peseiro’s team to success in Ivory Coast.
5-Mohammed Kudus, who now plays for West Ham United
Kudus as netted six goals in fifteen matches under the management of David Moyes. Since his transition from Ajax to the English top flight, the Ghanaian midfielder has found his rhythm. The addition of Kudus on the flanks significantly strengthens the offensive capabilities of the Black Stars, positioning them as one of the most potent attacking forces in the competition.
6-Victor Boniface, representing Nigeria and playing for Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Boniface is viewed as a major breakthrough for Nigerian fans in 2023. He made his debut for the Super Eagles in their impressive 6-0 triumph over Sao Tome and Principe. Demonstrating consistent excellence in Europe, Boniface has secured the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month award four consecutive times. Anticipated to forge a potent partnership with Osimhen in the Super Eagles’ attack, Boniface is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the forthcoming tournament.
7-Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, representing Ghana and playing for Leicester City
Initiated a loan move from Sporting Lisbon to Leicester at the commencement of the season to enhance his playing opportunities. Quickly forming an effective partnership with Patson Daka and Stephy Mavididi for the Foxes, he has contributed with two goals and five assists. This performance substantiates the merit of his selection in the Black Stars’ provisional squad.
8-Yves Bissouma – Mali, Tottenham Hotspur
Despite only making ten Premier League starts in the previous season, Bissouma has seen a significant increase in his role under Ange Postecoglu at Spurs, starting in fifteen games and establishing himself as a key presence in the Lilywhites’ midfield. A prominent figure in his national team, the 27-year-old is poised to impress in the upcoming AFCON tournament.
9-Pape Mata Sarr -Senegal, Tottenham Hotspur
Has become a vital presence in the Senegal midfield at just 21 years old. As a defensive midfielder, he has already accumulated seventeen caps and started in fourteen out of Tottenham’s eighteen Premier League matches. Recognized for his skillful first-phase play and ease on the ball, Sarr’s performance in the central midfield position will be crucial as The Lions of Teranga strive to defend their AFCON title.
10-Patson Daka-Zambia, Leicester City
Experienced an injury that kept him out for a substantial part of the initial season. However, the 25-year-old made a remarkable comeback, delighting Leicester City fans as the perfect Christmas present. Notably, Daka has scored four goals in his last four games, showcasing a commendable return to form at a crucial juncture for the Zambian team as they seek to surprise everyone in the coming year.
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