Top Stars to Watch at AFCON 2024: Osimhen, Salah, Mane, Guirassy, Hakimi and Others

The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled from January 13 to February 11 in Ivory Coast, promises an exciting showcase of football talent. Here are five standout players to keep an eye on:

1. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): Super Eagles fans eagerly anticipate Osimhen leading Nigeria in the AFCON. The African Player of the Year for 2023, Osimhen shone during Napoli’s Serie A title run, scoring 26 goals last season. Although his current campaign has seen a dip in form with eight goals, a fresh contract at Napoli signals renewed determination. Osimhen aims to make a significant impact after missing out on the previous edition due to injury and Covid-related issues.
2. Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Liverpool’s 31-year-old forward, Mohamed Salah, a Premier League superstar and an icon in the Arab world, is a key figure for Egypt. With 14 goals, Salah is the joint top scorer in the Premier League this season, propelling Liverpool to the top of the table. The AFCON poses a challenge for Liverpool, potentially losing Salah for four league games. Salah, keen on AFCON success, aims to add to Egypt’s record seven Cup of Nations crowns.
3. Sadio Mane (Senegal): Mane, the hero of Senegal’s 2022 AFCON victory, faces expectations to lead his team to success again. Despite a runner-up finish in the 2022 Ballon d’Or, concerns linger about Mane’s career trajectory, with injuries affecting his World Cup participation. Averaging almost a goal every second game for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Mane remains crucial to Senegal’s bid for consecutive continental triumphs.
4. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea): Guinea, ranked 15th in Africa, introduces Guirassy, a sensational 27-year-old striker making waves in the German Bundesliga. With 19 goals in 16 games for VfB Stuttgart, Guirassy has been a standout performer, contributing significantly to his club’s success. His challenge lies in replicating this form on the international stage, where Guinea faces a tough group with Senegal, Cameroon, and Gambia.
5. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): The marauding right-back from Paris Saint-Germain, Achraf Hakimi, leads a formidable Morocco team into the AFCON. Despite his defensive role, Hakimi poses a significant attacking threat down the flank. Runner-up to Osimhen for the African Footballer of the Year, Hakimi’s outstanding form for PSG adds strength to Morocco’s ambition of securing their first AFCON title since 1976. If Hakimi maintains fitness and peak performance, Morocco stands a strong chance in the tournament.