At long last, it's nearly here –AFCON 2023 is now just three days away from getting started.
As we look ahead to the tournament, it's only natural to ponder who might be the key men, the difference-makers, the decisive talents who can secure immortality, and etch their name in the record books with a winning goal in the final on February 11.
While some names are perhaps obvious, others may not be. With that in mind, these are some of the individuals we expect to have a telling impact on the tournament...
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Flair has always been a core part of Sadio Mane's game. Known mostly for his undying desire to beat a defender, Mane can often be seen using his terrifying combination of lighting pace and trickery to completely overwhelm opponents in a way which they will have never seen before. Blink and you'll miss him. Not only is he a nightmarish dribbler, but Mane knows how to rack up goals and assists as well. It's non-stop excitement.
Mohammed Salah (Egypt)
He is one of the most fouled players in Europe. With his pace, trickery, work rate and assists, Salah knows how to generate that level of excitement on a regular basis. Quick, intelligent and a fine finisher with his magnetic left foot, Salah is devastating in transition and increasingly adept at helping the Pharaohs break down deep defences. His job is made twice as hard as many defenders will double-up on him to try and keep him quiet, but that only makes the battle more intriguing.
He has scored 14 goals and registered eight assists for Liverpool so far this season.
Riyard Mahrez (Algeria)
Not only is he lightning-fast, but he's also got really quick feet and regularly bamboozles the opposition before somehow managing to wriggle away from their grasp when it looks like he's about to lose out.
His playmaking ability makes him hugely dangerous both out wide and when he cuts inside and drifts centrally to impact proceedings with his favoured left foot - a trait that is common among elite wingers in the modern game.
He commits defenders and opens up space for others with his sharp movement in and out of possession. He’s simply too talented to miss out on our list.
Seko Fofana (Cote D'Ivoire)
Fofana's combative style of play lends itself to a place in front of the back four, though the Ivorian has proved time and time again that he's got the ability with the ball at his feet to play slightly further forward.
One of the most underrated facets of Fofana's game is his eye for a pass and his ability to execute eye-of-the-needle through-balls.
In Ivory Coast, we can expect to see him playing in an orthodox central-midfield role given his qualities both defensively and offensively.
Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
Arguably, one of the best goal custodians in the world, a lot will be expected from the Morocco number one in Ivory Coast. He is a commanding figure and dominates his box by coming to collect crosses and barking out orders to his defenders.
However, no matter how many fingertip saves he makes, no matter how many shots he smothers, Bounou lives in constant fear of the players ahead of him making a brainless error to cost him his clean sheet. Bounou is something of a late bloomer in a football sense, but has really shown his worth.
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)
The West Ham man's dynamic energy, determination and athleticism are the perfect fit for Chris Hughton's all action pressing style. But for all the work rate, there is real quality on the ball too; Kudus' dribbles, range of passing and intelligence are not often afforded the credit they deserve.
He does not stop. Kudus' engine and boundless energy allow him to effortlessly maraud about the pitch, covering every blade of grass, breaking up play and charging into tackles.
Kudus' quick movement, brilliant dribbling ability, tendency to cut in from the wings makes him a dangerous and exciting player and make him such an asset for the Black Stars.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
An obvious choice, but Osimhen is still the man most likely to make the difference for the Super Eagles. The Napoli forward, whose future at club level is uncertain, will play as part of a front three for Jose Peseiro's side who are targeting a third AFCON title. Osimhen will set the tempo for Super Eagles' high-pressing game, while his quality on the ball could be decisive in the final third. He possesses both speed and strength, and will seamlessly collaborate with teammates to generate opportunities seemingly out of thin air.
By: Godfred Budu Yeboah
