With the African Cup of Nations just a few days away, all attention will be on the impending tournament. Prior to the commencement of the tournament, there have been several issues with most European clubs reluctant to release their best players for the tournament.

Some even had issues with Klopp; the Liverpool coach for somehow referring to the tournament as a small tournament. That didn’t go down well with many people. The coach tried to clarify issues but yet still many weren’t happy with most people demanding an apology from his end since there was no way he was ever going to refer to the European Cup as a small tournament.

And with COVID 19 threatening the world, many were of the opinion the tournament needs to be postponed because we are all know how fast the disease spreads but with Motsepe steering the affairs as CAF president, we are made to understand the tournament will go on as planned.


The tournament is set to begin on January 9 with Cameroun the host nation locking horns with Burkina Faso. But our attention today is to have a look at some of the players to watch during the tournament.

Mohammed Salah


There is no doubt that all attention will be on the Liverpool star. He is arguably the best African player with some interesting goal records favouring him.

He is currently the top scorer in the English Premier League and a guy all cameras will be on during the AFCON as the world would like to know whether he can replicate the fine form he has at Liverpool on the field at Cameroun for his country Egypt.

Sadio Mane

Another name that the world can’t take off the list when it comes to players to watch during the AFCON is that of Sadio Mane. The Liverpool star is expected to deliver for his country; Senegal. He is the main talisman when it comes to playmaking for his country and it appears much will be expected from his end during the tournament.


Mendy

There is no doubt the Chelsea goalkeeper is the one going to be in the post for Senegal if he is fit. The Champions League winning goalkeeper is indeed expected to deliver during the AFCON. With him in the post, Senegal is seen as one of the countries that is in a pole position to win the tournament.

Riyad Mahrez

The Man. City winger will be representing Algeria during this tournament and of course, much will be expected of him. He is indeed required to translate his fine form at City into this tournament. The winger is enjoying some massive playtime under Pep this season and seems to have his goalscoring boot on as well.

Kudus Mohammed


Another player we will keep an eye on is Ajax’s midfielder, Kudus Mohammed. Even though he is not fully fit, the coach of Ghana believes he is going to help the team at some point in the tournament.

Beyatt Lekweiry

At just 16 years of age, the Mauritanian is the youngest player at this AFCON and there is no doubt many will be keeping a keen eye on him.

Source: https://esiama.com/players-to-watch-at-the-african-cup-of-nations-afcon-2022/

Ok we are watching