8 Players to watch at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast

• Over 600 players will be playing at the 2023 AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast
• From Sadio Mane to Mohamed Salah, there are numerous players to watch at the event
• Sadio Mane was the best player of AFCON 2021 after inspiring Senegal to their first-ever triumph in Cameroon

It’s just a matter of hours before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off, but who are the top players to watch at AFCON?

With over 600 players set to participate in the tournament, it could be difficult to identify the players likely to standout. Senegal will be aiming to defend their title as teams like Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Ivory Coast also fight for the crown of Africa’s football giant. As anticipation mounts, we take a look at 8 players to watch at AFCON tournament.

1. Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane. Photo/ Eurosport.

Sadio Mane was the best player of AFCON 2021 after inspiring Senegal to their first-ever triumph in Cameroon. Despite leaving Europe to play in Asia, Mane has not lost his sharpness at all and is still at his best. Thence, the 31-year-old will still be the man to lead Senegal as they aim to achieve the double in Ivory Coast. He is one of the players to watch at AFCON 2023.

2. Mohamed Salah 

Mohamed Salah is Egypt’s main man and is carrying the hopes and dreams of a nation on his shoulders. Just like he has done for the last three finals, the Liverpool star will once again be among the attractions in AFCON. And with his superb form in the Premier League this season, you expect him to lead Egypt to the final, if not win it.

Mohamed Salah. Photo/ Goal.com

Egypt last triumphed in AFCON in 2010, and Salah has been left on the losing side in the final in both 2017 and 2021.

3. Victor Osimhen 

Well, how can you talk about players to watch at AFCON and fail to mention the Best African Player of the Year? Victor Osimhen is Africa’s big boy now and considering his brilliant performances in Europe, you expect him to bring the energy in Nigeria’s team. If he led Napoli to triumph in Serie A after after more than 30 years, why not guide Africa’s sleeping giant Nigeria to victory in this year’s AFCON?

4. Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus. Photo/ FC Barcelona Noticias.

Explosive speed, skill, dribbling, and goalscoring prowess – Mohammed Kudus possesses all that. He has lit the English Premier League with his performance since joining West Ham last summer and is expected to bring his dazzling form in AFCON. The 23-year-old Ghanaian sensation will be on a mission to lead his country to a fifth AFCON title. We wait!

5. Youssef En-Nesyri – Morocco

Morocco did wonders at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African country to reach the semifinals of World Cup. With such a milestone, Morocco now only have one mission – to become Africa’s giants by winning the AFCON title. But for them to achieve that, they need Youssef En-Nesyri to be at his best. The Sevilla forward is their talisman in front of goals and is one of the stars to watch.

Youssef En-Nesyri. Photo/ Goal.com.

6. Sebastian Haller – Ivory Coast

After battling cancer for several months, Sebastian Haller finally returned to football and has been doing great at Borussia Dortmund. Born in France, he was welcomed to represent the Ivory Coast national team and will be more than happy to play his second AFCON at home. The striker is one of the stars in this year’s tournament.

7. Riyad Mahrez -Algeria 

Algeria beat Senegal in 2019 to win the AFCON title. But after a disappointing campaign in the 2021 edition of the tournament, Algeria will be aiming to regain their crown again this year. Riyad Mahrez is the man to lead this team and after playing a significant role that led to Manchester City winning the treble last season, he will definitely do his best to celebrate another title this year. One of the finest wingers in the world, Mahrez is currently signed to Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli.

8. Yves Bissouma – Mali

Yves Bissouma. Photo/ Africa Top Sports.

Mali has the potential to win the AFCON title this year. You can count on them considering they are unbeaten in seven games, winning six of those ties. Yves Bissouma will be coordinating the team from midfield and you expect him to be one of the top players in the tournament. Bissouma plays for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.