The African Cup of Nations is in full swing and we’ve taken a look at five Premier League-based stars representing their respective countries in Egypt.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Probably the most obvious choice, Liverpool and Egypt star Mohamed Salah will be looking to back-up his Champions League success with the Reds by taking the AFCON title on home soil.
Salah has an excellent goal scoring record with The Pharaohs with 40 goals in 65 appearances so far and will be his side’s key man as they bid for the trophy.
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Salah’s team-mate Sadio Mane has claimed he would swap his Champions League winners medal for an AFCON win with the Les Lions de la Téranga.
Senegal are the top ranked team by FIFA in the event at 22 but have never managed to land the African title, with their best result finishing as the runners-up in 2002 in the days of Khalilou Fadiga and El Hadji Diouf.
Mane isn’t particularly prolific at international level with 16 goals in 60 games, but provides a real threat going forward regardless.
Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)
Young Arsenal play-maker Alexander Iwobi has had a fantastic run to the build up to this year’s African Cup of Nations. He was able to ramp up 7 goals and 8 assists in all competitions last season. Even though losing Europa League trophy to neighbours Chelsea. He played a prominent role in the teams build-up to the finals.
His brilliant performances has secured him a starting berth in the Super Eagles first eleven. Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr will be looking to tap into his Premier League experience to the benefit of the team.
Christian Atsu (Ghana) 
Newcastle’s Christian Atsu is one of the key creators in a talented Ghana side and provides a threat from midfield, with 10 goals in 61 international appearances so far.
The Black Stars were held to a draw by Benin in their tournament opener and face an uphill struggle to qualify for the knockout stages and will be relying on Atsu to try and get their bid back on track.
Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast)
Spurs man Serge Aurier is a vital part of the Ivory Coast defence and he also provides an attacking outlet down the right flank.
Four of Les Elephants’ eight defenders have less than 10 caps, meaning 56-cap Aurier’s experience will be key for his side as they look to land what would be their third AFCON title.
Copyright © 2024 Completesports.com All rights reserved. The information contained in Completesports.com may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of Completesports.com.
COMMENTS
all the best Alex Iwobi
So una forget the midfield general Wilfred Ndidi.
Where is there father ndidi? Seems u guys r not well.