The 34th Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is just around the corner, set to kick off in Ivory Coast on January 13th and concluding with the final in Abidjan on February 11th. As the footballing world turns its attention to this prestigious tournament, there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines and players to watch. Let’s delve into six players who could make a significant impact at Afcon 2023.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – The Pharaoh’s Redemption Quest
Egypt’s talisman, Mohamed Salah, has carried the hopes of his nation for years, but there’s one glaring omission from his illustrious career – an Afcon trophy. Egypt’s last continental triumph dates back to 2010, and Salah is determined to change that.
Salah, often hailed as the ‘Egyptian King,’ boasts a glittering array of medals from his time with Liverpool, but the hunger for international glory remains. Despite scoring six goals in his previous Afcon appearances, he’s yet to taste victory. In 2022, Egypt’s heartbreak came in the form of a penalty shootout loss to Senegal in the final, denying Salah and his team a coveted title.
Now, with the 2023 tournament on the horizon, Salah is extra-motivated to lead his side to glory. He’ll captain the Pharaohs in a challenging Group B, facing off against Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. Can Salah finally fulfill his dream and end Egypt’s 14-year wait for Afcon success? The world will be watching.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Africa’s Rising Star
Victor Osimhen is a name that resonates with fans of Serie A, thanks to his goal-scoring heroics with Napoli. After missing the 2021 edition of Afcon due to a combination of Covid-19 and injury, Osimhen is back, and he’s on a mission to inspire Nigeria to their first title since 2013.
The newly-crowned African Footballer of the Year finished as the top scorer in Serie A last season, playing a pivotal role in Napoli’s Italian title win. Despite missing the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in November, Osimhen now has a chance to make a significant impact on the international stage at Afcon.
Nigeria faces tough competition in Group A, including hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. As rumors swirl about a potential move to the Premier League, Osimhen has a golden opportunity to announce himself as one of Africa’s premier strikers.
Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) – The Bundesliga Sensation
Serhou Guirassy is a name that might not be as familiar to casual football fans, but his explosive start to the Bundesliga season with Stuttgart has certainly raised eyebrows. The 27-year-old striker, formerly a France youth international, will be making his Afcon debut after earning his first cap for Guinea in March 2022.
Guinea finds themselves in a challenging Group C, alongside holders Senegal, continental heavyweights Cameroon, and second-time qualifiers, The Gambia. Injuries in November temporarily halted Guirassy’s momentum, but Guinea will be counting on him to deliver the goals they need to advance to the knockout stages.
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana) – The Rising Star
Ghana heads to Afcon 2023 aiming to erase the disappointment of their group-stage exit in the 2021 edition. One player who could play a crucial role in their redemption quest is Mohammed Kudus. The 23-year-old forward has been making waves in the Premier League with West Ham United since his move in August.
Kudus was Ghana’s top scorer in the qualifiers for the Nations Cup, netting three crucial goals. After an impressive showing at the 2022 World Cup finals, where he scored twice, Kudus has continued to grow as a player. Despite a stern early test against Egypt, Kudus could be the key to Ghana’s return to the pinnacle of African football.
Issa Kabore (Burkina Faso) – The Young Sensation
Issa Kabore may not be a household name yet, but he’s a player worth keeping an eye on. Voted as the best young player at the 2021 Afcon, Kabore showcased his talent as Burkina Faso reached the semi-finals. Since then, he’s been on the books of Manchester City, awaiting his debut.
Currently on loan at Luton Town in the English Premier League, the 22-year-old attacking right-back has over 30 international caps to his name. Burkina Faso faces Algeria, Mauritania, and Angola in Group D, providing Kabore with another opportunity to shine on the continental stage and potentially secure a spot in Pep Guardiola’s City squad next season.
Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco) – The Midfield Dynamo
Azzedine Ounahi made a name for himself with impressive displays during Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 World Cup. His performances earned him a move to French giants Marseille, although a broken toe cut his season short.
Now on the road to recovery, the 23-year-old midfielder will look to replicate his World Cup form at Afcon 2023. While he didn’t feature in Morocco’s sole World Cup qualifier in November, Ounahi remains a key part of their squad. Morocco faces DR Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania in Group F, offering Ounahi the chance to once again take the stage and help his team succeed.
As Afcon 2023 approaches, the stage is set for these six players, each with their unique story and aspirations, to light up the tournament. Whether it’s Salah’s quest for redemption, Osimhen’s rise to stardom, Guirassy’s Bundesliga exploits, Kudus’ emergence as a rising star, Kabore’s potential breakthrough, or Ounahi’s return from injury, Afcon promises to be a showcase of talent, drama, and unforgettable moments. Football fans around the world eagerly await kickoff, and the beautiful game’s next chapter in Africa unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Afcon 2023 Players
What is Afcon 2023?
Afcon 2023 refers to the 34th Africa Cup of Nations, a prestigious football tournament taking place in Ivory Coast from January 13th to February 11th.
Who are the top players to watch at Afcon 2023?
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Determined to end Egypt’s 14-year wait for continental success.
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): A rising star aiming to inspire Nigeria to their first title since 2013.
- Serhou Guirassy (Guinea): The Bundesliga sensation making his Afcon debut.
- Mohammed Kudus (Ghana): The young forward with a growing influence in the Premier League.
- Issa Kabore (Burkina Faso): A promising talent hoping to secure a place in Manchester City’s squad.
- Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco): The midfielder looking to replicate his World Cup form for Morocco.
What are the key storylines for Afcon 2023?
- Mohamed Salah’s quest for redemption after Egypt’s heartbreak in 2022.
- Victor Osimhen’s rise to stardom and his return to international duty.
- Serhou Guirassy’s explosive start in the Bundesliga and his impact on Guinea’s campaign.
- Mohammed Kudus’ emergence as a top scorer and his role in Ghana’s journey.
- Issa Kabore’s potential breakthrough on the continental stage.
- Azzedine Ounahi’s return from injury and his contribution to Morocco’s success.
Which teams are in tough groups at Afcon 2023?
- Nigeria faces Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau in Group A.
- Guinea contends with Senegal, Cameroon, and The Gambia in Group C.
- Ghana encounters a stern early test against Egypt in Group B.
- Burkina Faso competes with Algeria, Mauritania, and Angola in Group D.
- Morocco faces DR Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania in Group F.
What can football fans expect from Afcon 2023?
Afcon 2023 promises to be a showcase of talent, drama, and unforgettable moments, with these standout players and teams vying for glory on the African continent.
More about Afcon 2023 Players
- Afcon 2023 Official Website
- Mohamed Salah’s Profile
- Victor Osimhen’s Profile
- Serhou Guirassy’s Bundesliga Stats
- Mohammed Kudus at West Ham United
- Issa Kabore’s Profile at Manchester City
- Azzedine Ounahi’s Transfer to Marseille
4 comments
wow, this afcon 2023 looks gr8! Salah, osimhen, and da rest – can’t wait 2 c them shine!
Whoa, didn’t know Salah hadnt won Afcon b4, he really deserves it! Kudus is also a player 2 watch out for!
Wait, Issa Kabore, that’s the guy from mancity? Burkina Faso’s got some talent, man. gonna check him out.
Afcon, man, it’s gonna b epic. guirassy’s on fire! gonna b sum crazy matches 4 sure.