Top 10 players to watch at AFCON 2023

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Africa will be parading the top players from the continent when the AFCON 2023 commences in Ivory Coast on Saturday.

The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations promises to showcase the best of Africa football with a lot of fun and entertainment.

NRTC has put together a list of 10 players to look out for at the AFCON 2023.

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10. Sébastien Haller (Côte d’Ivoire)

Haller is a top striker who has proven himself at the highest level of European football. He will be seeking to make a significant impact with hosts Ivory Coast at the AFCON 2023.

9. Yves Bissouma (Mali)

Bissouma is one of the strongest and best defensive midfielders in Europe. His commanding presence for Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side is a beauty.

Mali will be hoping the 27-year-old can replicate his club form in Ivory Coast.

Unbeaten in seven matches, Mali can be real contenders for this year’s AFCON with Bissouma at the centre of things.

8. Yassine Bounou (Morocco)

32-year-old Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Bounou is definitely one of the best shot stoppers to look out for at AFCON 2023.

He stands as a unique figure who commands his defence with aplomb. Bounou was key to helping Morocco become the first African side to reach the semi-final of the World Cup.

The goalkeeper continues to impress with his brilliant performances for club and country.

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7. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)

His performances with the historic Morrocan team at the 2022 World Cup is laudable and worthy of emulation.

Ounahi once again has the chance to reassure fans about his qualities and his importance in the star-studded Atlas Lions.

Following their penalty shootout victory against Spain in the round of 16, La Roja coach Luis Enrique said of Ounahi: “My God, where does this guy come from…?”

In the quarter-final victory over Portugal, no Moroccan player had more dribbles (three) or won more duels (seven) than Ounahi.

His presence alongside the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Achraf Hakimi and Youssef En-Nesyri will cause havoc on opposition defenders.

6. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

A complete revelation for English club West Ham United, Kudus is one to keep eyes on at AFCON 2023.

Since joining the Hammers, the Ghanaian international has become about their most important player. His skill, speed and goalscoring ability set him apart.

With 10 goals in 24 matches across all competitions this season, Kudus is an important part of this Ghana team.

It will be interesting to see how he combines well with the Ayew brothers and Inaki Williams.

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5. Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon)

Aboubakar will lead the indomitable Lions out in Ivory Coast after they finished third on home soil last time out. With his wealth of experience, Cameroon will be depending on their captain to score goals as usual.

His leadership qualities, strength and technicality will help carry his team at Ivory Coast.

4. Sehrou Guirassy (Guinea)

This 27-year-old Guinean has already scored 17 goals in only 14 Bundesliga appearances this season – a fantastic achievement.

The way and manner Guirassy has taken the German Bundesliga by storm is breathtaking.

Earlier this season, Guirassy broke Robert Lewandowski’s record for the most goals to the start a Bundesliga season.

If Guinea really wants to excel and achieve something tangible at the AFCON 2023, then Guirassy is that man who can make them achieve that.

3. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Egypt have a record seven continental titles and if they are to add to it, then the Liverpool winger will be very instrumental.

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Salah, part of the teams that lost the 2017 and 2021 finals, will be seeking to win this AFCON. No doubt, the 31-year-old is in tremendous form presently.

Before joining the Pharaohs AFCON team, Salah had scored 14 league goals and created 8 assists this season.

Salah has 55 goals in 96 appearances for Egypt. The memory of losing to Senegal in the final of the last edition remains fresh.

2. Sadio Mané (Senegal)

The Al Nassr striker who recently got married will lead the Lions of Teranga at the AFCON 2023.

Being the best player at the last edition in Cameroon, all eyes will once again be on Sadio Mane.

Last time out, Senegal won their first-ever AFCON title and are seeking to win consecutive tournaments.

Although he has traded Europe for Saudi Arabia, Sadio Mané remains feared by defenders.

1. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

After receiving his first Africa Footballer of The Year award, it is only fair to add Osimhen to the list.

Osimhen led Napoli to an unprecedented Scudetto last season – their first in 33 years. The Nigerian was the top scorer for the side and was a key component of the team.

Still in great form, the 2023 AFCON comes at no better time for the former Lille and Wolfsburg striker. If Nigeria are to come out victorious at the end of this tournament, then Osimhen will be key.

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For the Super Eagles, Osimhen has 20 goals in 27 appearances. He will really need to step up as Nigeria already lost key strikers ahead of AFCON. Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface and now Sadiq Umar are out of the competition.