As TotalEnergies CAF AFCON kick-off edges closer
In a few days, Africa will vibrate to the rhythm of the 34th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023. African football talent will be displayed between 13 January and 11 February.
CAFOnline presents a Top 10 list of players to watch.
Sadio Mané (Senegal, 31)
He is the best player of the previous edition. The Lions of Teranga star player will 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 Mané 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 guide his teammates to a 6th star for Cameroon.
Sehrou Guirassy (Guinea, 27)
The center-forward has been coming back to life in Germany this season. He’s racking up goal after goal and rivaling other top Bundesliga strikers. Guirassy is undoubtedly the striker missing from Syli de Guinée’s puzzle to excel in the TotalEnergies AFCON finals.
Sébastien Haller (Ivory Coast, 30)
For his second TotalEnergies AFCON, he couldn’t have dreamt of anything better than playing it at home and in front of supporters who quickly adopted him from his first steps with the Elephants. At 29, Sébastien Haller has matured and intends to make a significant 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 TotalEnergies 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 must guide in Côte d’Ivoire.
Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco, 24)
He was part of a strong collective with the Moroccan team at the 2022 World Cup. Azzedine Ounahi once again has the opportunity to confirm his high regard 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 TotalEnergies AFCON title.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt, 31)
Mohamed Salah
As he has done for the last three finals, Mohamed Salah will once again be one of the attractions on the banks of the Ebrié 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.
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 vital member of the team’s chase for a second TotalEnergies CAF Champions League gold medal, Shalulile will be essential for the Brave Warriors of Namibia in Cote d’Ivoire.
