By Bakah Derick
The 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations campaign (AFCON) ongoing in Cameroon has given another opportunity for professional Africa players to present and improve their credentials. With the first group matches now complete and the second matches ongoing, many of the players have already made public their intention to shine as individuals or help their countries shine.
In group A, indomitable lions captain Aboubakar Vincent has already scored four goals of his country's six in the competition. In the opening fixture against Burkina Faso, the man from Garoua North of Cameroon scored twice from the penalty spot and then netted two more against Ethiopia as his country clinched the first eighth finals ticket. In their 4-1 bashing of the Ethiopians, Karl Toko Ekambi scorer twice as well position himself as another Cameroonian to watch out for. Both men for Cameroon have won the man of the match award in their first two games.
Burkina Faso's Boureima Bande, Ethiopia's Dawa Hutessa and Cape Verde's Julio Tavares with a clinical finish header that nailed Ethiopia in their tournaments opener have just been outstanding. In their different ways, they have written their names in country and AFCON history.
Sadio Mané has stayed relevant for his country scoring a winner from the penalty spot and emerging man of the match. Surely he was expected to be outstanding but then confirming such positions come with uncommon challenges. Though not the goal scorer in Guinea' s opening win against Malawi, Naby Keita is one player to watch keenly in group B. Just Aly Keita, their keeper who made several nerve breaking saves, Naby was up for his country making a great combination with Jose Kante. The goal scorer Isiagga Sylla cannot be ignored looking as his smart transformation of Kante's assist in that opener.
Finishing as man of the match and goal scorer in their opening fixture against the Black Stars of Ghana, Sofiane Boufal of Morococco has simply been outstanding this far. Not just did he score but also contributed in more ways than one in ensuring a win for his country. Aaron Boupendza's t first-half finish to give his country Gabon a win against tournament first timers Comoros put him on the honour role. No doubt workaholic Louis Ameka offered the opportunity, his intelligence was much needed to get things right for him and country. He is expected to stay at same form as the competition proceeds especially with the possible return of their star man Obameyang.
Kelechi Iheanacho was the man for the Super Eagles as they embarrassed seven times champions with a defeat at the Roumdé Adjia stadium. The Leicester City striker's 30mins strike was good enough to earn his nation the much needed three points at the opener as Egypt's keeper Mohamed El Shenawy looked on. Though Mohammed Salah didn't score during the game, his performance or potentials for great performance cannot be underestimated. The Liverpool man is still one out standing player to watch out for. Sudan and Guinea Bissau finished with a goalless draw largely because Ali Abu Eshrein was simply impermeable ans with such a stellar performance, there is no doubt he will be one of the great players of this competition.
If the defending champions Algeria started the competition with a goal less against less expected Sierra Leone, it is thanks to their goal keeper Mohammed Kamara. His rapidity that led to multiple saves crowned him man of the match. With quality shown during the first game, he is likely to go places in the the competition. Ivory Coast captain Max Gradel was simply great as he scored for country. Equatorial Guinea no doubt foeught back hard but had to succumb to the new conditions.
Though from the penalty spot, Ibrahima Kone's 48th-minute goal was good to keep his country's hopes alive. Being one of the outstanding players for his side and with support from goal keeper Ibrahim Mounkoro, Konè remains one player to watch with keen. Gambia's Ablie Jallow struck the winner after just 10 minutes. The skill and style involved in the goal scoring speaks of a man ready to go places.