The wait is almost over! The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off this Friday. The excitement is building up and football lovers across the continent and beyond can’t wait for the tournament to kick off.
Ahead of this year’s edition in Egypt, Kenechukwu Nnaemeka takes a look at five promising young talents that have risen to prominence in recent times and are primed to play an essential role for their teams.
Youssef En-Nesyiri- Morroco
The 21-year-old striker is expected to lead the line for the Atlas Lions in Egypt. The Leganes striker has made much progress since the last AFCON in Gabon.
En-Nesyiri has adapted to life in Leganes, he moved from Malaga in the summer of 2018. He scored 8 goals in 20 appearances this season. The Atlas Lion have struggled to score goals and their goalscoring problems were laid bare in Russia, where they failed to score in two of their three games. En-Nesyiri is expected to deliver the goals this time in Egypt, he will be keen to live up to expectations.
Farouk Miya- Uganda
The 21-year-old is the poster boy of Uganda’s recent football revolution. Miya who scored Uganda’s only goal in the previous edition in Gabon is described as “muyizi tosubuwa” in his homeland; a saying meaning “a hunter who cannot miss”. The attacking midfielder is the vital cog through which the attack of the Cranes of Uganda flows. Miya has good body balance and strength and he is also a dead ball specialist. Miya has already equalled Geoffrey Massa’s record of 22 goals in 59 appearances for the Cranes of Uganda. Uganda are seen as outsiders, but if they are to cause any major upset in Egypt, Miya will be vital to it.
Achraf Hakimi- Morroco
Hakimi is a sensational young talented defender. Hakimi’s versatility means he can play in the left back and centre back position though he played the right back position for the majority of his career. The 20-year-old came through the ranks of the Real Madrid academy La Fabrica and has not looked back since then.
The Madrid born defender is on the books of Borussia Dortmund on loan from his parent club Real Madrid and played a huge role in their Bundesliga title chase. Hakimi’shatrick of assists against Atletico Madrid in October 2018 gave a good reminder of how good Hakimi is. Hakimi has become an important player for the Atlas Lion; he has made 18 appearances for the Atlas Lions since making his debut in 2016. The youngster will be keen to show why he is highly rated.
Samuel Chukwueze- Nigeria
The Under 17 World Cup winner starred in what was a disappointing season for Villarreal. Chukwueze’s eye-catching performances for Villarreal has attracted a lot of suitors and it is no surprise that top European clubs are jostling for his signature. Chukwueze is a right winger that makes effective use of his left foot through his versatility means he can also play other attacking positions.
The former Diamond Academy player only made his Super Eagles Debut in November 2018. Chukwueze style of play is unique to him and his tremendous dribbling skills can unsettle defenders. Chukwueze will be keen to make an impression in Egypt.
Ismaila Sarr
The Rennes winger is known for pace, trickery and ability to find spaces behind the full backs. The former Generation foot academy player scored 13 goals and provided 11 assists for Rennes last season, little wonder he has caught the eyes of top European clubs.
The 21-year-old made his Teranga Lions debut at the age of 18 and has gone on to be an integral part of the Team. Sarr is no stranger to the big stage as he played all three group stage matches for the Teranga Lions in Russia. Sarr ‘s pace and trickery remain a huge asset to the Teranga Lions as they seek their first ever AFCON title in Egypt.
@Kenennaemeka on Twitter.
