ABIDJAN – In a few days’ time, Africa will be vibrating to the rhythm of the 34th edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023. An array of African football talent will be on display between January 13 – February 11.
CAFonline presents a Top 10 list of players to watch.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt, 31)
As he has done for the last 3 finals, Mohamed Salah will once again be one of the attractions on the banks of the Ebrie Lagoon.
A Liverpool star (top 5 scorer in the club’s history) with a string of goals every weekend, the Pharaoh remains the leader of his national team.
Under his leadership, Egypt made it through the qualifiers unscathed.
Salah has outlined his burning desire to lead the Pharaohs to CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) glory after recent near misses.
Salah underlined how representing Egypt means “a lot to me” but admitted his ultimate target is to lift the AFCON trophy after losing two finals.
“It’s a great feeling every time you step on the field with the national team jersey,” the Liverpool forward said.
“It’s something I cannot take for granted. I am just happy to be there, happy to play in the tournament,” Salah added according to the CAF official website.
The seven-time African champions will kick off their campaign in Group B against Mozambique on January 14, followed by a clash with Ghana on January 18, concluding their group stage against Cape Verde on January 22.
Now the talismanic Liverpool attacker is on a personal mission to lead Egypt to a record-extending eighth CAF AFCON title.
Sadio Mane (Senegal, 31)
Best player of the previous edition, the Lions of Teranga star player will once again be the man to watch when he captains his side in their title defense this year.
After leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia last summer, Sadio Mane has lost none of his sharpness.
He remains the guiding light and leader of a Senegalese team whose ambition is to achieve the double.
Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon, 31)
For several competitions now, he’s been carrying the Indomitable Lions. Vincent Aboubakar is Cameroon’s captain and trusted goalscorer.
His mental strength and leadership will be key in guiding his teammates to a 6th star for Cameroon.
Sehrou Guirassy (Guinea, 27)
The centre-forward has been coming back to life in Germany this season. He’s racking up goal after goal and rivalling other top Bundesliga strikers.
Guirassy is undoubtedly the striker who was missing from the Syli de Guinee’s puzzle to excel in the AFCON finals.
Sebastien Haller (Côte d’Ivoire, 30)
For his second AFCON, he couldn’t have dreamt of anything better than playing it at home in front of supporters that adopted him very quickly from his first steps with the Elephants.
At 29, Sebastien Haller has reached maturity and intends to make a big impact at Africa’s biggest football spectacle in front of his fans.
Mohamed Amoura (Algeria, 23)
While other illustrious elders in the Algerian squad (Mahrez, Feghouli, Slimani) need no introduction, Mohamed Amoura should be the big attraction of this AFCON 2023 for the Fennecs.
The midfielder has excelled for his Belgian club over the past two seasons and has the opportunity to lead his national team into a major competition.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, 25)
It’s hard not to include the Best African Player of the Year in this thread.
Victor Osimhen, fresh from his recent accolade as the best African footballer, is celebrating his new status on the continental stage.
He is the figurehead of Nigeria’s rich attacking frontline, which he will have to guide in Côte d’Ivoire.
Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco, 24)
With the Moroccan team at the 2022 World Cup, he was part of a strong collective.
Azzedine Ounahi once again has the opportunity to confirm the high regard in which he had with the star-studded Atlas Lions.
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana, 23)
A livewire for West Ham United in England’s Premier League, Mohammed Kudus has set one of the best leagues in the world alight with his explosive speed, skill and goalscoring prowess.
Boasting seven man of the matches accolades this season with his side, the 23-year-old Ghanaian sensation will be one of the key players for the Black Stars in their pursuit of an elusive fifth AFCON title.
Peter Shalulile (Namibia, 30)
Peter Shalulile is at the prime of his career with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
Fresh from lifting the inaugural African Football League and currently a key member of the team’s chase for a second CAF Champions League gold medal, Shalulile will be key for the Brave Warriors of Namibia in Côte d’Ivoire.
