The African Cup of Nations 2021 will be kicking off on Sunday afternoon. Ducor Sports identifies five players to watch in Africa’s premier competition that represents an opportunity for the world to cast their eyes on the continents best of the best.
The following five players stand-out among the 24 participating nations who could make an impact in Cameroon.
Mohamed Salah, Egypt
The Liverpool attacker has represented the Egyptian national team since 2011, and has been superb in the English Premier League for his club.
Salah leads all scorers in the Premier League this season with 16 goals, including one in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, his last match before leaving for Central Africa.
The 29-year-old finished in seventh place in the Ballon d’Or 2021 after he won the Africa Player of the Year title in 2017 and 2021.
Salah is tricky and unpredictable and will be expected to light sparks at the tournament, as Egypt seek for their eight continental title.
Riyad Mahrez, Algeria
This is another player to watch.The Manchester City attacker has enjoyed spectacular success in recent years as he inspired the Desert Foxes to secure their second Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 after 31 years.
At his club, the gifted right winger who has been involved in more goals, either scoring or assisting, than any of his teammates.
Sadio Mane, Senegal
Senegal are hardly lacking in the attacking department, but one man whose form may just carry them all the way is the Liverpool winger Sadio Mane.
The striker has hit most of decisive goals for Teranga Lions in recent years and has been at par with the most potent attackers in world football over the last couple of seasons.
Mane has netted seven Premier League goals for the Reds so far this season, earning him a spot among the most prolific goalscorers in the English top flight.
Sebastian Haller, Ivory Coast
Brilliant for Ajax Amsterdam this season, especially in the Champions League, the Ivorian star has a very good chance to win the top scorer award at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The former West Ham player only made his debut for the Elephants in 2020 after ditching France for Ivory Coast.
The 27-year-old forward is one of Europe’s most in-form players right now, and Ivory Coast will look no further than the star to steer them past the group stages.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon
Gabon will be banking on the services of their talisman Pierre Aubameyang, at this year African Cup of Nations. The Arsenal striker has been one of the finest players in the world since 2014.
The French born player who was named the 2015 CAF player of the year is ranked among the best ten players in the world this year.
Aubameyang is known for his speed and his capability of playing as a forward or a winger.
The 32-year-old has quite an eye-catching stat—particularly when you consider that the Nations Cup in 2022 will be his sixth major international tournament.
The striker was part of Gabon’s ill-fated 2019 qualifying campaign, when they were stunned by first-time qualifiers Burundi who took the ticket to Egypt in their place.
In this year’s edition, Gabon will greatly depend on the former Borrusia Dortmund forward for goals and he is a must see player in the tournament.
