Players to Watch Out For In This 2019 AFCON (African Cup Of Nations)

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG- Gabon

The Arsenal forward made his first international appearance for Gabon in 2009 although he was invited to play for Italy but he played for France U-21 team, he was also eligible to play for Spain because of his mother's nationality. Aubameyang is known for his speed, creativity and attacking prowess on the pitch. He has made 59 appearances with 24 goals for his country and also the highest goalscorer in Gabonese history. 
The 30-year-old is second most expensive African player after his transfer from Borrusia Dortmund to Arsenal for £56 million (€64 million).

ASAMOAH GYAN - Ghana

The 33-year-old striker announced his plan to retire from international football during May, 2019 but changed his mind after meeting with the Ghanaian President. Gyan made his first international debut for Ghana when he was 17-years-old and scored a goal which made him the youngest player to score a goal for his country. The striker has made 106 appearances with 51 goals for his country. Asamoah Gyan has been awarded the BBC African Player of the Year (2010), AFC Champions League Top Scorer (2014), AFC Foreign Player of the Year (2014), and three-time UAE Pro League Top Scorer (2011-2014). 

RIYAD MAHREZ- Algeria

The 28-year-old player made his international debut for Algeria in 2013, and he has made 46 international appearances with 11 goals. Mahrez has earned his self global coverage for his agility and ball-controlling skills. Apart from this, the Algerian forward is currently the most expensive African player after his transfer from Leicester City to Manchester City totaling £60m (€67.8m). Mahrez is also the first African to win the PFA Players' Player of the Year (2016) and the first Algerian to win a Premier League medal. In 2016, he won the BBC African Footballer of the Year and the CAF African Footballer of the Year.

HAKIM ZIYECH - Morocco

 The 26-year-old Moroccan player is known for his speed and free-kick ability. In 2019, he is selected as one of the best 20 players in the UEFA Champions League. The Moroccan was eligible to play for the Netheralnds because of dual-citizenship but he decided to play for Morocco in 2015. Ziyech is a four-time top assist winner in the Eredivisie league and also a 2018 Dutch Footballer of the Year / Golden Boot.

KALIDOU KOULIBALY- Senegal

Koulibaly plays as a central defender for Napoli, and he played an active role in the club to win their first Serie A title in almost three decades. He was one of the front runners for the African Player of the Year but only to lose to the Egypt star- Mohamed Salah. The 26-year-old made his debut with Senegal in 2015 and participated in the 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

ALEX IWOBI- Nigeria

Iwobi plays as a forward for Premier League Club- Arsenal and Nigeria. The 22-year old has already drawn comparison to one of Nigeria's greatest player- J.J. Okocha, who happens to be his uncle. The forward announced his arrival on the International stage last November. With his pace and dribbling skills, the winger will definitely put a show for the world to see.

SADIO MANE- Senegal

Mane plays as a winger for Liverpool and the Senegalese national team, he popularly known for his dribbling pace, agility, ball control and speed. In 2015, the Senegalese set the record for the fastest hat trick when he scored 3 times against Aston Villa in 176 seconds.
The 27 year -old has proved himself not only to be the best winger in the Premier League but also in the world. The Senegalese is a two-time Premier League Player of the Month: August 2017, March 2019.

MOHAMED SALAH - Egypt

Mohamed Salah is the reigning African Player of the Year, and one of the best players currently in the world. The Egyptian is known for his finishing, speed and dribbling skills. The 27-year-old is a two-time BBC African Footballer of the Year winner (2017,2018) and also has the most goals by an African player in a UEFA Champions League season: 11 goals in 2017–18.