Players To Watch In Group B AFCON 2021
The Group B of the Africa cup of nations is based in Bafoussam and most matches will be staged at Kouekeng stadium from the 10th to the 18th of January. The group consists of Guinea, Malawi and Senegal and all are stacked with some superb players.
Below we look at players to watch in each team of group B.
Sadio Mane (Liverpool & Senegal Forward )
The Liverpool star is no doubt the key man in Senegal’s ‘Golden generation’ squad which has been hyped favorites in every tournament since 2017, but are yet to prove their worth. Senegal are still to win the Africa cup of nations trophy and this generation seem determined in achieving this goal. Mane has scored 10 goals so far for Liverpool in 21 matches. At 29 he may not be as explosive and fast on the ball as he once was, but Mané has built up more muscle and he is capable of using strength over speed in one vs one situations. His work rate defensively is unselflessness and always in support of his attacking partners. Mané who is usually given a free role behind the strikers in Senegal’s national team which allows him to go deep and create goal scoring opportunities. His ability to read the game gives him an upper hand in ball recovery as he can surprise opposition players by showing up in their passing lanes unexpectedly.
Frank Gabadinho Mhango (Orlando Pirates & Malawi Forward)
The Orlando Pirates man is Malawi’s highest profile attacker. The 29-year-old will be expected to provide the firepower, while also linking up play upfront. Mhango has only featured in four of Orlando Pirates’ 19 league matches so far this season. His lack of playing time at club level could be a concern though, but Mhango is an experienced allround attacker who can play as an out and out striker or as an attacking midfielder behind the striker. His impact for the Flames was reassured in the team’s first friendly international against Comoros played a week ago, where the Pirates man scored a goal and provided an assist as the Flames beat Comoros 2-1. Having already begun his come back at Pirates, Mhango is expected to use the tournament to reclaim his position at the Soweto giants.
Naby Keita (Liverpool & Guinea Central Midfielder)
The 26-year-old Liverpool stronghold is one of the most influential players in Guinea set up. His 9th goal for his country in their last preparatory match against Rwanda recently – shows the central midfielder’s quality in front of goals. He has played in 11 out of 20 premier league matches for Liverpool so far this season- scoring two goals and providing an assist. His agressive pressing and tactical awareness are his main abilities in ball recovery, making him one of the most important players for Guinea.
Knowledge Musona (Al Tai & Zimbabwe)
If his recent form is anything to go by, Musona will be the Zimbabwe Warriors man to watch. At 31, the former Anderletch and KV Oostende star is capable of changing the course of the game at any minute. The Warriors skipper has been enjoying good form at his new home in Saudi Arabian’s Top flight league. He is happy like he has never been before. From the 14 games he has played so far for Al Tai. Musona has been influential, putting on some series of top performance scoring five goals and two assists to lift his team from the drop zone to eighth on the log with 19 points from 15 games. His quick thinking, elusiveness, and sharpness in front of goals makes him a valuable asset.
Group B Matches will be opened on Monday with Zimbabwe taking on Senegal followed by Guinea vs Malawi on the same day.
