Top 10 best players called up for AFCON 2023

Published at :January 3, 2024 at 3:20 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 11:19 AM

A closer look at the stars illuminating AFCON 2023

As the anticipation for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023) reaches a crescendo, football fans around the globe are gearing up for a spectacle of talent and competition. The AFCON has always been a stage for Africa’s football maestros to showcase their prowess, and this edition promises to be no different. With the kickoff in Ivory Coast just around the corner, all eyes are on the top-tier players who have been called up to represent their nations in this prestigious tournament.

As, we delve into the top 10 big stars summoned for AFCON 2023, analyzing their strengths, recent performances, and the expectations they carry on their shoulders. From the electrifying Mohamed Salah to the newly-crowned African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, the following players are set to make waves on African soil.

10. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)

Morocco‘s Azzedine Ounahi, a 23-year-old midfielder, kicks off our countdown. His box-to-box displays at the 2022 World Cup earned him a move to Marseille. Despite a broken toe truncating his season, Ounahi is on the mend. A pivotal player for the Atlas Lions, his AFCON performances will be closely watched as he seeks to replicate the highs achieved in Qatar.

9. Issa Kabore (Burkina Faso)

Voted the best young player at the 2021 AFCON, Issa Kabore is a rising star for Burkina Faso. The attacking right-back, on Manchester City‘s books, is yet to debut for the club. With over 30 international goals and impressive performances in France and the Premier League with Luton Town, Kabore aims to shine once again on the continental stage and stake a claim for a place in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

8. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

France Footballers — **Riyad Mahrez played a vital role in Algeria’s 2019 AFCON triumph**

Algeria’s captain Riyad Mahrez takes the eighth spot. After a treble win with Manchester City in 2022-23, the Algerian moved to the Saudi Pro League in 2023 summer. Mahrez missed the opening qualifiers due to fitness concerns. Despite the setback, the talisman who played a vital role in Algeria’s 2019 AFCON triumph is determined to banish memories of their 2021 group stage exit. The Desert Foxes look to Mahrez for inspiration on their quest for continental glory.

7. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus, a 23-year-old forward, occupies the seventh position. Heading to AFCON with West Ham United‘s colors, Kudus aims to avoid a repeat of Ghana’s 2021 group-stage exit. The top scorer in the Nations Cup qualifiers, Kudus continues to impress after scoring twice in the 2022 World Cup finals. His mission: to help Ghana reclaim its place at the pinnacle of African football.

6. Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast)

At number six is Ivory Coast’s seasoned defender, Serge Aurier. The 31-year-old, participating in his 5th AFCON on home soil, is a mainstay for the Elephants. Known for explosive debuts and leadership, Aurier played a crucial role in Ivory Coast’s 2015 AFCON triumph. As a versatile right-back, his energy and experience make him a vital asset, and Ivory Coast looks to Aurier for guidance and contributions.

5. Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)

In the fifth spot is Senegal‘s Nicolas Jackson, representing Chelsea‘s new blood. Included in Senegal’s AFCON squad, the 22-year-old striker, part of Chelsea’s summer spree, has already showcased his goal-scoring prowess. With seven goals in 13 league starts, Jackson is expected to join forces with Sadio Mane, providing Senegal with a potent attacking duo. Quick-footed and creative, Jackson’s performance will be closely monitored by fans and scouts alike.

4. Victor Boniface (Nigeria)

Victor Boniface Bundesliga Bayer 04 Leverkusen — **Victor Boniface has 16 goals and eight assists this season**

Bayern Leverkusen‘s Victor Boniface claims the fourth position. The 22-year-old Nigerian striker has been in sensational form, boasting 16 goals and eight assists this season. Despite initial objections from the club about AFCON’s timing, Boniface is expected to feature prominently in Nigeria’s squad. As a goal-scoring prodigy thriving in the German Bundesliga, he aims to make a significant impact on the continental stage.

3. Sadio Mane (Senegal)

Senegal’s captain and talisman, Sadio Mane, takes the third spot. Leaving Liverpool for Bayern Munich in 2022, and now with Al Nassr, Mane continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Having scored the winning penalty in the dramatic 2021 AFCON final against Egypt, Mane’s blistering pace and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities make him an invaluable asset. Senegal looks to Mane for leadership and inspiration to defend their AFCON title in Ivory Coast.

2. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

Nigeria‘s Victor Osimhen secures the second spot. Crowned the African Footballer of the Year, Osimhen missed the 2021 edition due to Covid-19 and an injury. Having established himself as one of Europe’s top strikers with Napoli, Osimhen, at 24, is eager to inspire Nigeria to their first AFCON title since 2013. Finishing as Serie A‘s top scorer last season, Osimhen’s firepower adds a potent dimension to the Super Eagles’ attack.

1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

The top spot belongs to Liverpool’s prolific forward, Mohamed Salah. Leading Egypt‘s charge in AFCON 2023, Salah, often referred to as the ‘Egyptian King,’ is driven by the desire to end Egypt’s 14-year wait for continental success. With a dazzling array of medals from his time with Liverpool, Salah’s electrifying pace, ability to create opportunities, and goal-scoring prowess make him one of the most feared forwards in football. As the skipper of the Pharaohs, Salah aims to add to his six goals from three previous Nations Cup trips and lead Egypt to glory.

AFCON 2023 promises a riveting display of skill, determination, and unforgettable moments as these top 10 stars prepare to etch their names in African football history. Let the countdown intensify the excitement as the continent unites in celebration of the beautiful game.

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