The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is usually a star-studded occasion where spectators get to see some of the best players in the world compete on an international platform. Even most online betting sites are offering competitive odds to punters who want to bet on their favourite AFCON team.
Let’s take a look at the top AFCON players to watch out for in 2021.
1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool, aiming to lead Egypt to their first Africa Cup of Nations championship since 2010, will most likely be the highest performing player in international football. Salah has been in excellent form in the domestic league this season, extending his outstanding Liverpool career that began in 2017-18.
Salah has scored at least 20 goals in each of his five Premier League seasons with the club, and his goal against Chelsea was his 23rd of the season. With about 16 goals and nine assists, the Liverpool forward has 25 goal involvements in the Premier League after only 20 games.
With 23 goals, Salah has made over 20 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions. Salah currently holds the record for most goals scored by a player for Premier League teams in all competitions (44), tied with Ruud van Nistelrooy for Manchester United in 2002-03.
2. Mohamed Bayo (Guinea)
Bayo has scored nine of the promoted side’s 20 league goals and has a higher WhoScored.com rating (6.98) than any other player. The Lancers are concerned that their next greatest scorer, Elbasan Rashani, has only four league goals to his name.
Bayo has the 11th best conversion rate in Ligue 1 among the 65 players who have taken 20 or more shots this season, and while his international career is still in its early stages, he has the goalscoring touch to help Guinea reach the AFCON knockout rounds.
3. Pape Sarr (Senegal)
When Senegal kicks off their AFCON campaign on Monday, Tottenham fans will be paying careful attention to Pape Sarr. Last summer, the teenager joined Spurs but was quickly loaned back to Metz to help him develop. In Ligue 1, the 19-year-old hasn’t exactly wowed Spurs supporters, but neither has Metz, who are currently 18th. There is plenty of rivalry in a crowded Senegal midfield for a starting berth, but Sarr might be Aliou Cisse’s ace in the hole when the Lions of Teranga face adversity.
4. Kamaldeen Sulemana (Ghana)
He attempted 246 take-on in the Danish Superliga last season, nearly double the number of Louka Prip, who came in second. It’s understandable if it sounds like a lot. In the top five European leagues last season, only Lionel Messi tried more (261).
Kamaldeen used his speed and dribbling ability to lead the Danish Superliga intake-on in the opponent half (199), nearly double that of second-placed Jesper Lindstrom (104). He also led the league on take-on in the opposing box (104).
5. Herve Koffi – Goalkeeper, 25, Burkina Faso/Charleroi
During Burkina Faso’s 2017 journey to the semi-finals, Koffi was a standout performer. The second-generation international, who was relatively unknown, made his mark with a magnificent effort in the quarterfinal victory against Tunisia.
He moved from ASEC to Lille after the end of the competition. In France, however, things didn’t go as planned for him. After a few loan transfers, he found stability in Belgium with Charleroi and remains a very good goalkeeper who can assist Burkina Faso live up to their “dark horse” reputation.
Conclusion
There are several other AFCON best, including African players living in India. While many of the top players are from the Premier League, there are also representatives from Serie A, Ligue 1, and even the Eredivisie, as Europe sends some of its most prominent players to the game.
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