The African Cup is always a breeding ground for semi-unknown players, but in recent years it has also brought together outstanding players from European football. This is a selection of them.
False (Egipto)
Seventh in the Ballon d’Or and finalist for The Best, he is the unquestionable leader of Liverpool and the Egyptian team. A media icon in his country and also in African football, Egypt’s options go through his boots.
Mané (Senegal)
Salah’s perfect partner at Klopp’s Liverpool, he has even more stripes in a star-studded Senegal (Koulibaly, Mendy, Gueye …). He was already on the verge of being champion in the last edition held in 2019 in Egypt.
Aubameyang (Gabon)
He does not arrive at his best moment, separated at Arsenal by Arteta and with COVID in recent days that have prevented him from participating in friendlies. Still, he is a razor-sharp striker for a team like Gabon.
Mahrez (Argelia)
Much more than a quality left-hander, he has grown in every way with Guardiola at City. He was already key in the 2019 title and forms an Algerian luxury attack alongside Belaili, Brahimi and Bounedjah.
Achraf (Morocco)
He starred in a resounding transfer to PSG in the summer, it was difficult for him to settle down and he has yet to give his best version. With Morocco he has been indisputable from a very young age, first as a left back and then in his natural position on the right.
Mendy (Senegal)
Chelsea’s goal has completely changed. He came to replace a hesitant Kepa and has offered a great performance in the European champion. With Senegal it is also indisputable, despite the fact that in the last edition it was not the headline yet.
Onana, Cameroon
A time without playing for a doping sanction, even so he has not lost the poster that made him important at Ajax. Great game with his feet, he has been signed by Inter and it will be one of the assets for the host Cameroon to be competitive in the tournament.
Ilaix Moriba (Guinea)
He agreed to play with Guinea Conakry and not with Spain, and was immediately called up for a great tournament. Despite this, he comes among many doubts after not curdling in his first months at RB Leipzig. Before leaving Barça, he had left details of an important midfielder.
Thomas (Ghana)
Very important at Arsenal, Atlético is missing him for his presence and quality in the midfield. His mission is to lead a Ghana in full generational change and with emerging young players such as Kudus or Sulemana. Hard.
Chuckweze (Nigeria)
Without very important players in the Nigerian attack such as Osimhen and Ighalo, Villarreal’s southpaw should be the dagger with which to hurt opponents. Very fast and hungry, it can be your tournament.
Zaha (Ivory Coast)
He has been called up again by the Ivory Coast for this tournament, he chose the Ivorians instead of England even though he had options with the English. Absolute star in the Crystal Palace of the Premier.