Hakimi, Mahrez, Osimhen, Kessié headline stars to watch at the Africa Cup of Nations | OneFootball

Achraf Hakimi, Riyad Mahrez, Victor Osimhen and Franck Kessié headline the stars to watch at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which runs from 21 December to 18 January.

According to L'Équipe, Mohamed Salah will be one of the attractions, but others will try to drive their nations forward, not least Morocco’s Hakimi and Algeria’s veteran Mahrez.

Hakimi is available after an ankle issue, his smile at a Saturday press conference hinted at full fitness. He feels good and is waiting for Walid Regragui’s green light to feature from the opening game. At 27, he wants to deliver the trophy to his people 50 years on and has stressed the collective, willing to play only a few minutes if Morocco lifted the Cup.

Osimhen remains Nigeria’s X-factor. Denied a World Cup place by DR Congo, 1-1 then 3-4 on penalties, he went off injured at half-time against the Congolese and has not digested that defeat. In Côte d’Ivoire he led his team to the final and was even seen kneeling for the collective, without him the Super Eagles appear bereft of a natural leader.

For Algeria, Mahrez, 34, is still a pillar. Since his 2023 move to Saudi Arabia his impact has been debated at home. After the 2019 triumph in Egypt, two straight group-stage exits hurt his public image, but not his status within the squad.

Kessié is Emerse Faé’s trusted figure and captain, a symbol of Côte d’Ivoire’s 2024 title. The coach rates his work highly and believes they have found the captain they wanted. Kessié, 29, takes the role seriously and stays engaged between camps.

Source: L'Équipe