Midfielders: Big names and players to watch at AFCON 2023
Today we’re focusing on midfielders in the third piece of this four-part series. Players have reported for duty, trainings have begun, and the Sports Gazette is fired up for the kick-off of AFCON 2023 which is less than a week away.
Big names
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)
There was some debate amongst Sports Gazette writers as to whether starboy Mohammed Kudus could still be considered a rising star or if he’s firmly moved into the ‘big dog’ category. Since his summer transfer from Ajax to West Ham, Kudus has become one of the Hammers most creative players. One only needed to watch West Ham face Brighton to see just how much David Moyes’ side will miss him this month.
West Ham’s creative duo, Kudus and Lucas Paquetá
After missing AFCON 2021 due to injury, his big international moment finally came when he scored two goals against South Korea at the 2022 World Cup. He’s scored three goals in his last three games in the Premier League and is looking to bring that form to his first AFCON.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon)
Frank Anguissa is making his fourth major tournament appearance for Cameroon at this year’s AFCON. The box-to-box midfielder was part of Napoli’s Serie A title win last season, where he racked up the third most league minutes and assists for the team.
The Blues have suffered with inconsistency this season, and Anguissa has not been immune to that. It’s been a slow start to the season for him, with only one goal and no assists. He also dealt with a slight hamstring issue in October, but seems to be healthy and back to match fitness.
Intelligent, a high work-rate, and elite at picking out the correct pass – Cameroon need Anguissa at his best.
Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)
What may seem a controversial pick currently due to his – and Manchester United’s – recent performances, there is no denying how influential Sofyan Amrabat was for Morocco at the 2022 World Cup as he played every minute of their semi-final run. He was also named in the CAF Team of the Year at December’s awards.
Amrabat and Morocco celebrate at the World Cup
In hindsight, his loan to Manchester United may not have been the correct move. But when fit, he’s continued to perform for his country no matter how he’s performing domestically. However, Morocco is fielding a very strong squad and it will be interesting to see if his league situation has head coach Walid Regragui questioning Amrabat’s starting spot.
Players to watch
Kamory Doumbia (Mali)
Attacking midfielder Kamory Doumbia recently became only the second player to score four goals in a first half in Ligue 1 history. This amazing feat came in only his second league start for Brest. Doumbia heads into AFCON with five goals and two assists for the French side.
It’s not only his domestic performances that are catching people’s attention. Doumbia has also scored four in his last five outings for Mali. With recent form like this, Doumbia is knocking on manager Éric Chelle’s to make Mali’s starting 11.
Fares Chaibi (Algeria)
Since his international debut in March of last year, Fares Chaibi has played in seven of Algeria’s eight games and notched his first two goals. The Desert Warriors are unbeaten over that run.
A solid 2022/23 season saw him third-highest for goals (8) and second-highest for assists (7) at Toulouse. His performances earned the now 21-year-old a summer move to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.
Chaibi celebrates with Frankfurt teammate Omar Marmoush
He scored his first goal for Frankfurt in their draw against Borussia Dortmund in October. He’s only scored once more in the Europa Conference League, but has supplied plenty of chances for teammates as he leads the team with nine assists. Chaibi’s flexibility in attacking positions and his assisting record make him one of the most exciting young players to watch at AFCON 2023.
Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)
Pape Sarr made one appearance for the 2021 winning side and after impressing at Tottenham in the first half of this season, he’s looking to make a much bigger impact at the 2023 edition. He now has two goals and two assists for the Spurs this season and his performances have received unanimous praise.
Sarr was forced off in the 32nd minute on December 31st against Bournemouth, but was deemed fit enough to travel to Senegal for the tournament. If healthy, the 21-year-old can be a game changer for the defending champions.
If Sarr brings his domestic form to the international stage, he’s perhaps the most obvious candidate for this year’s best young player of the tournament.
We’ve got one piece left before the start of AFCON and it’s going to take the most difficult choices yet. See who makes the list for biggest names and players to watch on Wednesday. Last but certainly not least: forwards.
Check out the other pieces of this series: Goalkeepers, Defenders
Feature image credit: AFCON 2021 top scorer Vincent Aboubakar, best player Sadio Mané, and best goalkeeper Édouard Mendy | Photo credit: “Trophée CAN (5)” by Jeanpierrekepseu is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
