The eagerly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 kicks off on January 13th in Côte d’Ivoire, running until February 11th, featuring 24 national teams, including numerous standout stars from Europe.
The tournament adopts its new format for the third consecutive time, following Egypt’s hosting in 2019, the first edition after expanding the number of participating teams from 16 to 24.
Cameroon then hosted the 2021 edition under the same system.
The postponed 2024 edition in Côte d’Ivoire adheres to the same rules.
10 Stars Expected to Shine:
1. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, VfB Stuttgart, Germany)
– Guirassy, representing Guinea in AFCON, has become a striking force in the German Bundesliga, scoring 19 goals in 16 matches for Stuttgart this season.
His stellar performance has attracted the attention of major clubs in Germany and across Europe.
2. Rayan Ait Nouri (Algeria, Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)
– The dynamic left-back Ait Nouri, at just 22 years old, has become a key player for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League.
Algerian fans are eager to see him translate his success from English fields to the African stage.
3. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana, West Ham United, England)
– Kudus has emerged as one of the standout players in the English Premier League, contributing significantly to West Ham’s attacking prowess.
With 13 goals this season, Kudus is considered one of the best wingers in England, carrying the hopes of Ghanaian fans in AFCON.
4. Ousmane Diomandé (Côte d’Ivoire, Sporting CP, Portugal)
– The 20-year-old central defender has rapidly ascended in Sporting CP, Portugal.
Diomandé, a defensive cornerstone, is set to lead his country’s defense on home soil.
5. Bilal Khannous (Morocco, Genk, Belgium)
– Khannous is one of Morocco’s promising talents, shining in one of Belgium’s top clubs, Genk.
Nominated for the 2023 African Young Player of the Year, he is expected to make a significant impact in AFCON.
6. Lamine Kamara (Senegal, Metz, France)
– With the absence of Senegal’s key stars, Kamara, a 20-year-old talent from Generation Foot Academy, has stepped up in the French league.
Playing a crucial role in Metz, he is proving himself as a defensive force.
7. Mohamed Abdel-Moneim (Egypt, Al Ahly, Egypt)
– Following the last edition’s final in Cameroon, where Kalidou Koulibaly advised him to continue his hard work, Abdel-Moneim has become one of Egypt’s star defenders.
His historic goal against Wydad Casablanca in the CAF Champions League final showcased his prowess, attracting European clubs’ interest.
8. Nicholas Jackson (Senegal, Chelsea, England)
– Chelsea has shifted its transfer policy, prioritizing young talents, making Nicholas Jackson one of the pillars of their new project.
Leading Chelsea’s goal-scoring charts this season, the 18-year-old aims to defend Senegal’s AFCON title.
9. Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire, Brighton, England)
– Adingra has shone for Brighton in the Premier League, scoring four goals and providing one assist.
Brighton paid £6 million to acquire him in the summer of 2022, and strong AFCON performances could attract substantial offers.
10. Victor Boniface (Nigeria, Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
– Boniface is a key player for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring eight goals in the Bundesliga.
With big clubs in Germany and Europe closely monitoring him, a standout AFCON performance could enhance his chances of a move to a bigger club in the upcoming summer.
