AFCON 2022: 5 Stars Set To Light Up The Pitch

• AFCON 2022: Stars set to light up the pitch

AS the African Cup of Nations is set to begin on Sunday, EKO HOT BLOG takes a look at a long list of some talented and experienced African stars, tipped to light up the tournament.

From Gabon to Nigeria, to Egypt, African football fans are set to enjoy a tournament of stars.

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah (Egypt and Liverpool Forward): Obviously one of the African players to watch out for in this edition is Liverpool forward, Mo Salah.

Scoring goals for fun at the club level is what Salh is predominantly known for. Hopefully, in this edition, he will come with his scoring boots.

Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria and Manchester City winger): Riyad Mahrez is a household name in the English Premier League. His time at Leicester City ended well with both a club and individual trophy to his name and at Manchester City, he is currently setting the league on fire.

He can dribble, score and assist goals. In Cameroon, he is surely expected to play a vital part in helping his country Algeria retain the AFCON trophy they won at the last edition in 2019.

Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane (Senegal and Liverpool Forward): The former African footballer of the year, Sadio Mane, comes to Cameroon with a repertoire of accolades. Together with Mo Salah, Mane has made a household name for himself at Liverpool. He is surely one of the players to watch out for in this year’s edition of the AFCON.

Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey (Ghana and Arsenal Midfielder): Ever since his celebrated move to Arsenal in 2020, Thomas Partey has not found the form that made him a terror to opposing teams, while in Spain. However, when it comes to playing and doing well for his country, Thomas Partey has never been found wanting. Hopefully, this tournament will serve as a platform for him to relaunch himself into European reckoning, with a good performance.

Samuel Chukwueze

Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria and Villareal winger): Samuel Chukwueze will be playing in his second African Cup of Nations tournament this year, and he will be hoping to make an impact.

Good enough, he seems to have gotten heavenly blessings to light up the tournament, and a viral video of where the mother was seen passionately praying for her son emerged early in the week.

In the 30 second video, the mother of the Villarreal star was seen praying in both Igbo and English languages while holding her son’s legs. Nigerians will be hoping that his mother’s prayers work.