Football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the upcoming 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11.
Some of the biggest names in world football are gearing up for this prestigious tournament, and here are five players to keep an eye on:
Mohamed Salah (Egypt): The 31-year-old Liverpool forward is a superstar in the English Premier League and a sporting icon in the Arab world. Joint top scorer in the Premier League this season, Salah aims to lead Egypt to AFCON glory and add to their record seven Cup of Nations titles.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): Fresh from being named the African Player of the Year for 2023, Osimhen is set to lead Nigeria into the AFCON. The Napoli striker, who played a key role in Napoli’s Serie A title win, looks forward to making a mark in Ivory Coast after missing out on previous editions due to injury and illness.
Sadio Mane (Senegal): The hero of Senegal’s 2022 AFCON victory, Mane is a two-time former African footballer of the year. Despite changes in his career, including a move to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, Mane remains a crucial figure for Senegal and aims to defend their continental crown.
Serhou Guirassy (Guinea): Guinea may be ranked 15th in Africa, but they boast a rising star in the German Bundesliga. Guirassy, a French-born striker, has been in sensational form with VfB Stuttgart, scoring 19 goals in 16 games. Can he transfer this club’s success to the international stage?
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): The marauding Paris Saint-Germain right-back is a key player for Morocco, ranked number one in Africa. Hakimi, runner-up for the African Footballer of the Year award, poses a significant attacking threat and will play a crucial role in Morocco’s ambitions to clinch their first AFCON title since 1976.
As these football stars prepare to showcase their skills on the African stage, fans worldwide are in for a treat of thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and fierce competition in the quest for AFCON glory. Stay tuned for a football spectacle that promises to captivate audiences across the globe!
