With the greatest football spectacle in Africa- AFCON 2024, on the horizon, Sports Flash highlights players to watch out for in the biennial tournament.
The 34th edition will be held in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024. The hosts will flag off the tournament when they lock horns against Guinea Bissau at Stade Olympious Alassane Outtara.
- MOHAMMED SALAH
The record champions Egypt (7 times) have never had the coveted title since 2010 when Salah was still a teenager.
The Egyptian messiah has won everything in football barring with his National team. The 31-year-old will be thirsting to quench this elusive title with the National team.
- SADIO MANE
All eyes will be on the AL NASSER Forward as he hopes to lead his team toward a title defense. Senegal won the title in the last tournament (2021) where they beat Egypt via post-match penalties (4-2) after a barren draw.
- VICTOR OSIMHEN
The Africa Player of the Year will be hoping to marshall his team towards clinching the title for the first time after a decade.
Being the most- sought-after player in the transfer market by gigantic clubs, Osimhen will be hoping to live up to the bill by scoring goals which will go a long way in helping his star-studded team towards National success.
- RIYAD MAHREZ
The Saudi Pro League player will be hoping to right his team’s previous edition wrongs where they failed to defend their title by being the leader in the potential title favorites Nation.
- SEBASTIAN HALLER
The Ivorian striker who plays for Borussia Dortmund will have the responsibility of leading the hosts towards a title claim. With the backing of the crowd, Haller will be a hot iron in the opponent’s defense.
Having overcome a career-ending illness (Testicular Cancer), Haller will be hoping for a fairy tale ending.
The above stars will have a point to prove as their Nation’s hope of securing the title rests on their shoulders.
