Unmissable: 10 Players to Watch at AFCON 2023

The anticipation is reaching a peak ahead of the opening game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Ivory Coast will kick off the tournament as hosts in a Group A clash against Guinea-Bissau. While Senegal is considered the favorites to defend their crown according to bookmakers, Egypt seeks to avenge their heart-breaking penalty shootout defeat in the 2022 final. Other strong contenders like Morocco, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Algeria will also be fiercely competing for the coveted gold trophy.

The Ivory Coast, benefiting from their home advantage, will undoubtedly be contenders in the tournament. Moreover, numerous players are eager to make a lasting impact in a competition that promises thrilling matches. Some players arrive in the AFCON in the best form of their club careers, while others have had breakthrough seasons or rediscovered their passion in new environments.

Betimate presents the top 10 players to keep a close eye on as the tournament unfolds, beginning with a certain Liverpool player known as 'The Egyptian King'...

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Mohamed Salah's status as one of the greatest players in Premier League history has already been firmly established, but this season he has made a compelling argument for claiming the top spot. In his 27 appearances for Liverpool, the 31-year-old has contributed to an impressive 27 goals, showcasing his exceptional form.

As Salah continues to age like fine wine, he will be driven to add the AFCON title to his already illustrious collection of trophies. Having finished as a runner-up in both 2021 and 2017, he is determined to go one step further this time. While Egypt often heavily relies on Salah, he readily embraces the weight of responsibility, and if he can replicate his electrifying performances from Liverpool on the international stage once again, Egypt will undoubtedly be strong contenders in the tournament.

Ousmane Diomande (Ivory Coast)

Diomande has garnered significant attention from several top European clubs, including Liverpool and Chelsea, and it is well-deserved considering his exceptional performances while representing Sporting CP. At just 20 years old, the centre-back possesses a complete skill set, combining a commanding physical presence with elegant quality on the ball, making him an ideal fit for the Premier League.

With Diomande anchoring the Ivory Coast's defense, they will prove to be a formidable challenge to break down. Additionally, he will play a crucial role in the team's attacking efforts. This season, the Sporting prodigy ranks fourth in the Primeira Liga for progressive ball carries, and he demonstrates a keen eye for penetrating passes through the opposition's lines.

Diomande deserves significant credit for Sporting's rise to the top of the league, showcasing unexpected speed and agility for someone of his stature. If he can replicate his impact in the AFCON, it is highly likely that a dream transfer will be within reach for him.

Sadio Mane (Senegal)

Mane, who was once Salah's teammate, has experienced a challenging period in the past couple of years, starting with his unexpected move to Bayern Munich from Liverpool in 2022. Unfortunately, the talented winger struggled to settle in Germany and departed the club after just one season following a highly publicized fallout with Leroy Sane during a Champions League match.

Furthermore, Mane was unable to participate in the Qatar World Cup due to an injury, and Senegal sorely missed his presence in their 3-0 defeat to England in the Round of 16. However, at the AFCON, the Lions of Teranga will have Mane available to provide an extra spark in their attacking lineup. If Mane can perform at his best, Senegal will have a genuine chance of retaining the trophy.

A fresh start at Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr has rejuvenated Mane, as he has formed a strong partnership with former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. In 18 league appearances, Mane has contributed eight goals and four assists. This opportunity allows Mane to demonstrate his ability at the highest level and potentially prove Bayern Munich wrong for letting him go prematurely.

Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)

While Harry Kane's impressive start at Bayern Munich has dominated the Bundesliga headlines, Guirassy's performances at Stuttgart have been arguably even more remarkable. The former Koln and Rennes striker has discovered his true calling at the MHPArena, with coach Sebastian Hoeness implementing a system that maximizes his unique strengths.

Guirassy has been in sensational form, scoring an impressive 17 goals in just 14 Bundesliga games. His contributions have propelled Stuttgart into genuine top-four contention. As a result, clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle have taken notice and are reportedly interested in acquiring his services.

Despite being drawn into a challenging group alongside Senegal, Cameroon, and Gambia, which is being dubbed the 'Group of Death,' Guinea possesses a valuable asset in Guirassy. His abilities provide them with a weapon that sets them apart from other teams, and his inspirational performances could potentially lead Guinea to an unprecedented run in the tournament.

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

West Ham United has been performing impressively in the Premier League, currently sitting in the top six at the halfway point of the season. A significant contributor to their improved attacking efficiency has been Kudus, the Ghanaian winger. Despite his £38m ($48m) transfer fee, he is already proving to be a bargain, leading some critics to suggest that Manchester United should have chosen him over his former Ajax teammate Antony around 18 months ago.

David Moyes, the West Ham manager, has praised Kudus as "exceptional," highlighting his impact on the team. The 23-year-old has developed a strong partnership with West Ham's star forward, Jarrod Bowen, which has the potential to propel the Hammers to a record finish. Ghana's forward line is currently led by the Ayew brothers and Iñaki Williams, and with Kudus supporting them, Chris Hughton's team should aim for a deep run in the tournament in the upcoming weeks.

Yankuba Minteh (Gambia)

Minteh's move to Newcastle last summer, followed by a loan to Feyenoord, has proven to be a beneficial decision for the 19-year-old's development. Under the guidance of coach Arne Slot, Feyenoord, the defending champions, may have been dethroned by PSV in the Eredivisie, but Minteh has capitalized on every moment he has spent on the field. He has scored an impressive seven goals in 17 games, showcasing his ability to unsettle defenders with his fearless and direct style of play. With plenty of untapped potential, Minteh's progress will be intriguing to watch.

During the AFCON group stages, it will be interesting to see how Gambia utilizes Minteh's considerable talents. However, they face challenging odds in Group C. Gambia's preparations for the tournament were marred by a frightening incident during their flight, where the cabin's oxygen supply failed. An emergency landing was conducted to prevent the players from experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. It is hoped that Minteh and his teammates will find alternative means to safely reach the Ivory Coast for the tournament.

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Riyad Mahrez initially made a name for himself as a Premier League champion with Leicester City. However, it was during his time at Manchester City where he truly established himself as one of the best players in Europe. Operating on the right flank, he showcased exceptional dribbling skills and precise deliveries, terrorizing opposing defenses. His crowning achievement came in June when Manchester City won the Champions League, a trophy that had eluded him. Mahrez felt that this marked the conclusion of his journey at the Etihad Stadium.

In the summer transfer window, Al-Ahli presented Mahrez with an offer that he couldn't turn down. The 32-year-old winger made a strong start to his career in the Saudi Pro League, contributing eight goals and seven assists in the first half of the season.

Although Mahrez may have transitioned to a slightly lower level of competition, he remains a world-class player capable of delivering exceptional performances. He captained Algeria to victory in the 2019 AFCON, a feat he is determined to replicate in the upcoming tournament. Mahrez's commitment and drive will be unwavering as he strives for further success on the international stage.

Karim Konate (Ivory Coast)

Red Bull Salzburg has gained a reputation as a talent factory in recent years, nurturing players like Mane, Erling Haaland, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Karim Adeyemi, who have all used the club as a stepping stone to reach the highest level of European football. If Konate can make a significant impact for the Ivory Coast during the upcoming tournament, he could potentially be the next player in line to follow this path.

Konate, who currently plays for Red Bull Salzburg, is in excellent form, having emerged as the joint-top scorer in the Austrian Bundesliga for the 2023-24 season. Operating primarily from the left side, the 19-year-old forward possesses explosive pace and a keen eye for goal. According to Opta, he has an impressive 21 percent shot conversion rate in the league. The Ivory Coast is fortunate to have an abundance of attacking talent, which means that Konate might not always be a starter. However, he possesses the quality and footballing intelligence to provide the team with a genuine X-factor when given the opportunity to play.

Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)

Tottenham Hotspur has experienced a significant resurgence under the management of Ange Postecoglou this season, and midfielder Sarr has played a crucial role in their success, earning a regular spot in the team's engine room. Despite not receiving many opportunities under former manager Antonio Conte, the 21-year-old caught Postecoglou's attention right from the start, and the coach's faith in him has been rewarded.

Sarr is a true box-to-box midfielder, covering a tremendous amount of ground and excelling in both defensive aggression and technical skills on the ball. He effectively protects the back four while also driving Tottenham forward whenever possible. With Sarr controlling the midfield, Senegal can approach every game with confidence, knowing they have a player who can make a significant impact. A strong performance in the tournament will confirm that Tottenham has discovered a real gem in Sarr.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, was instrumental in Napoli's triumph as they clinched their first Serie A title in 33 years last season. The 25-year-old striker possesses exceptional finishing skills, displaying great instincts in and around the penalty area. He is known for his intelligent runs behind opposing defenses, which has contributed to Napoli valuing him at over £100m ($127m) according to reports.

While Napoli has experienced a decline since the departure of former head coach Luciano Spalletti, Osimhen remains one of the most lethal forwards in the game. He continues to be a threat to opponents and is eager to add more trophies to his collection while representing the Ivory Coast.

Nigeria may have missed out on qualification for the last World Cup, but with Osimhen leading the line, they have the potential to go far in the AFCON. The key will be providing him with the same kind of service he received at Napoli during the 2022-23 season. With Osimhen's goal-scoring prowess, Nigeria's chances of success in the tournament are significantly enhanced.