AFCON 2021 Complete Team Guide: Possible XIs and Ones to Watch

 

AFCON 2021 is upon us, kicking off with hosts Cameroon taking on Burkina Faso on Sunday 9th January and we are delighted to confirm detailed statistical coverage and ratings of the entire tournament.

With that in mind we've put together a brief team-by-team guide, highlighting the expectations, possible lineups and one to watch for every single team at the tournament. Enjoy...

GROUP A

BURKINA FASO

 
Coach: Kamou Malo
Best AFCON finish: Runners up (2013)
AFCON 2019 finish: Did not qualify
Star man: Bertrand Traore
Possible XI (4231): Koffi; Kabore, Dayo, Tapsoba, Yago; Toure, Sangare; Traore, Guira, Bayala; Ouattara
One to Watch: Edmond Tapsoba

Whilst not blessed with the depth of talent of many of their competitors, The Stallions have been key player in some recent tournaments, finishing second and third either side of a group stage exit in 2015 before failing to qualify last time out. Villa's Bertrand Traore is perhaps the star name in the squad, having made his senior international debut at just 15, but has struggled with injuries all season. Instead Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba is perhaps the key to their progression in setting a platform from which to build and is extremely composed at passing or stepping out from the back.

CAMEROON

 
Coach: Toni Conceicao
Best AFCON finish: Winners x5 (most recent in 2017)
AFCON 2019 finish: Round of 16 exit
Star man: Vincent Aboubakar
Possible XI (433): Onana; Fai, Ngadeu, Moukoudi, Tolo; Anguissa, Gouet, Hongla; Toko Ekambi, Aboubakar, Ngamaleu
One to watch: Jean Onana

The hosts will be hoping that status elevates them among the favourites but in truth their squad hasn't progressed in the same way as much of their elite competition this summer. Their match winner in the final five years ago, Vincent Aboubakar remains the focal point of the side - now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia - while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is perhaps the biggest name to have come through since, and not just in the literal sense. Elsewhere in midfield keep an eye out for 21-year-old Bordeaux man Jean Onana, who has impressed in Ligue 1 after a season in Belgium and will be pushing for a start.

 

 

CAPE VERDE

 
Coach: Bubista
Best AFCON finish: Quarter-final exit (2013)
AFCON 2019 finish: Did not qualify
Star man: Ryan Mendes
Possible XI (541): Vozinha; J. Fortes, S. Fortes, Lopes, Stopira, D. Tavares; Monteiro, Rocha Santos, Andrade, Mendes; J. Tavares
One to watch: Jamiro Monteiro

Taking part in the finals for only the third time, Cape Verde are competing for the first time since 2015 and will have hopes of managing something they couldn't that year in escaping the group. They are four unbeaten heading into the tournament following an impressive draw with Nigeria last time out and pose a threat going forwards in particular. Former Lille winger Ryan Mendes is the top scorer in the squad and a threat from the left, while Garry Rodrigues is another option from wide. While at 28 he's no hot prospect, keep an eye on the versatile Jamiro Monteiro, who has been a solid performer in MLS for the last three years with Philadelphia Union, with strong figures of 2.8 tackles and 2.1 key passes per 90 last season.

ETHIOPIA

 
Coach: Wubetu Abate
Best AFCON finish: Winners (1962)
AFCON 2019 finish: Did not qualify
Star man: Gateneh Kebede
Possible XI (433): F. Gebremichael; Hamid, Tamene, Bayeh, Yesuf; Mohammed, A. Yohannes, Bekele; A. Gebremichael, Kebede, Nasir
One to watch: Abubeker Nasir

Appearing at only their second finals in the past 40 years, Ethiopia are very much the underdogs of Group A. Recent draws with Zimbabwe and Ghana in particular suggest that they are no pushovers, however, and the squad and indeed likely XI is littered with youngsters hoping to impress. Chief among them is the hot prospect of Ethiopian football Abubeker Nasir, with the winger tipped for what is a rare move away from domestic football on home soil. At 21 he has 15 caps and four goals already, while centre-forward Getaneh Kebede has an outstanding international record, with 32 goals in 61 appearances - five of which came last year.

GROUP B

GUINEA

 
Coach: Kaba Diawara
Best AFCON finish: Runners up (1976)
AFCON 2019 finish: Round of 16 exit
Star man: Naby Keita
Possible XI (4312): M. Camara; I. Cisse, M.A. Camara, Sow, I. Sylla; Conte, Kane, Diawara; Keita; Bayo, Kante
One to watch: Saidou Sow

Guinea will have aspirations of betting their finish in 2019 when dumped out in the knockout phase by eventual champions Algeria. They have a strong squad, particularly in midfield, where Liverpool's Naby Keita often plays in advance of a three given the depth in the middle of the park. Indeed, the fact that Olympiacos midfielder Mady Camara failed to make the cut highlights their options, with teenage prospect Ilaix Moriba joining the selection dilemma having switched allegiance from Spain. Elsewhere Mohamed Bayo is a strong focal point while fellow Ligue 1 star Saidou Sow, at 19, is the latest promising young centre-back to come from the Saint-Etienne academy, following the likes of Kurt Zouma, William Saliba and Wesley Fofana.

MALAWI

 
Coach: Mario Marinica
Best AFCON finish: Group stage exit (most recent in 2010)
AFCON 2019 finish: Did not qualify
Star man: Gabadinho Mhango
Possible XI (4132): Kakhobwe; Sanudi, Mzava, Chembezi, G. Chirwa; Petro; Madinga, Idana, P. Banda; Muyaba, Mhango
One to watch: Charles Petro

While they will be keen to prove they're not in Cameroon to make up the numbers, any kind of result in the group stage would be a result for Malawi. Only two of their squad ply their trade outside of Africa, though forward Gabadinho Mhango is on the books at Orlando Pirates and is the sides strongest goal threat. One of those now playing in Europe is versatile 20-year-old Charles Petro, who helped FC Sheriff qualify for their first ever Champions League appearance but failed to appear in the group stage proper. He can play at the back or shielding the defence and will likely be busy over the next fortnight.

 

 

SENEGAL

 
Coach: Aliou Cisse
Best AFCON finish: Runners up x2 (most recent in 2019)
AFCON 2019 finish: Runners up
Star man: Sadio Mane
Possible XI (4231): Mendy; B. Sarr, Koulibaly, Diallo, Ciss; Gueye, Kouyate; I. Sarr, Mane, Balde; Diedhiou
One to watch: Bamba Dieng

Having fallen to Algeria in the final three years ago, Senegal's golden generation perhaps don't have too long to fulfil their undoubted potential. They've never lifted the trophy but are the outright favourites to do so next month owing to a strong spine to the side that starts with the likes of Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye and very much ends with Sadio Mane. The Liverpool star often plays centrally for his country, such is his importance to the side, and while the likely absence of Ismaila Sarr through injury is a blow, it could represent an opportunity for another up and coming star. Marseille's Bamba Dieng can play from the left or lead the line and at 21 has scored four goals in seven league starts this season.

ZIMBABWE

 
Coach: Norman Mapeza
Best AFCON finish: Group stage exit
AFCON 2019 finish: Group stage exit
Star man: Tino Kadawere
Possible XI (442): Shumba; Chimwemwe, Mudimu, Hadebe, Zemura; Kadawere, Kamusoko, Takwara, Mahachi; Musona, Dube
One to watch: Jordan Zemura

Zimbabwe's hopes of a first appearance in the knockout phase were certainly dealt a blow by the injury to key midfielder Marvelous Nakamba and they approach the tournament in dreadful form. They are winless in 12, losing to the likes of Namibia and Ethiopia in the last year, despite boasting some decent attacking options. Knowledge Musona has a strong scoring record at international level, while Lyon's Tino Kadewere is the remaining representative of one of Europe's elite leagues. That could change come the summer, however, with Bournemouth youngster Jordan Zemura playing a key role in the Cherries promotion bid thus far from left-back having emerged as a mainstay in Scott Parker's side.

GROUP C

COMOROS

 
Coach: Amir Abdou
Best AFCON finish: Never previously qualified
AFCON 2019 finish: Did not qualify
Star man: El Fardou Ben Nabouhane
Possible XI (4231): Ahamada; K. Abdallah, M'Dahoma, Zahary, Youssouf; Bourhane, Bachirou; Bakari, Y. M'Chamgana, Selemani; Nabouhane
One to watch: Faiz Selemani

One of two AFCON debutants this year, Comoros will hope to enjoy the ride while it lasts having been dealt a difficult group draw. They kick off with their most winnable fixture against Gabon and would view a positive result in that game as a success ahead of meetings with Morocco and Ghana. In Crvena Zvezda striker El Fardou Ben Nabouhane they boast a focal point with Champions and Europa League experience as well as a commendable international strike rate, while winger Faiz Selemani is enjoying an excellent season in Belgium with Kortrijk. He has nine goals and four assists to his name, so Comoros can certainly pose an attacking threat.

GABON

 
Coach: Patrice Neveu
Best AFCON finish: Quarter-final exit (most recent in 2012)
AFCON 2019 finish: Did not qualify
Star man: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Possible XI (4231): Amonome; Palun, Ecuele Manga, Oyono, Obiang; Lemina, Poko; Boupendza, Kanga, Bouanga; Aubameyang
One to watch: Denis Bouanga

Gabon's hopes of progressing from a difficult group have been dealt a huge blow by the confirmed absenteeism of star duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina. Both have tested positive for COVID having been pictured on a night out in Dubai in the run up to the tournament and will miss what is surely a must win game against group underdogs Comoros. Having lost to the likes of Libya and Angola last year and followed a friendly defeat to Burkina Faso with a draw against Mauritania in the build up, they don't appear well prepared. Saint-Etienne's Denis Bouanga will have to step up in the absence of the aforementioned star names but has endured a difficult season to now with the Ligue 1 strugglers.

 

 

GHANA

 
Coach: Milovan Rajevac
Best AFCON finish: Winners x4 (most recent in 1982)
AFCON 2019 finish: Round of 16 exit
Star man: Thomas Partey
Possible XI (4231): Wollacott; Yiadom, Amartey, Djiku, Rahman; I. Baba, Partey; A. Ayew, Kudus, Sulemana; J. Ayew
One to watch: Mohammed Kudus

After a disappointing performance in 2019, crashing out on penalties to Tunisia with just one win from their four matches, Ghana will be hoping for much better this time around. They certainly aren't the force they once were, highlighted by the fact that they are still reliant on the Ayew brothers in attack, but Thomas Partey sits at the base of a solid midfield and is now joined by the impressive Mohammed Kudus of Ajax. The 21-year-old hasn't seen the playing time he would have hoped for this season but is capable of fulfilling a number of midfield roles. Meanwhile Kamaldeen Sulemana could be breakout star in Cameroon and is the latest electric winger to excel at Rennes.

MOROCCO

 
Coach: Vahid Halihodzic
Best AFCON finish: Winners (1976)
AFCON 2019 finish: Round of 16 exit
Star man: Achraf Hakimi
Possible XI (4312): Bounou; Hakimi, Saiss, Aguerd, El Karouani; Barkok, Amrabat, Louza; Boufal; El Kaabi, En-Nesyri
One to watch: Abdessamad Ezzalzouli

Much like Ghana, Morocco will be aiming to fare significantly better than they managed in Egypt last time around following a shock exit on penalties at the hands of Benin. Their squad has progressed and been improved upon since, but an inability to patch up a fractuous relationship with star man Hakim Ziyech could prove telling, with the Chelsea star the real shock omission from the tournament. In his absence Achraf Hakimi is the real jewel in the side, though Wolves' Romain Saiss and centre-back partner Nayef Aguerd are pivotal to a remarkable defensive record, keeping 12 clean sheets in 2021 alone. The Atlas Lions are capable of going the distance as a result.

GROUP D

EGYPT

 
Coach: Carlos Queiroz
Best AFCON finish: Winners x7 (most recent in 2010)
AFCON 2019 finish: Round of 16 exit
Star man: Mohamed Salah
Possible XI (4231): El Shanawy; Tawfik, Hegazi, Hamdy, Fatouh; Elneny, El Solia; Salah, El Said, Sherif; Mohamed
One to watch: Omar Marmoush

One of a number of big hitters to fall at the first hurdle in the knockout stage last time out, very much under-delivering on home soil, Egypt will be keen to make amends. The return to fitness of Trezeguet is timely but he won't be match sharp so keep an eye on Stuttgart loanee Omar Marmoush to make an impression, even if only from the bench. He has two goals and three assists in ten Bundesliga starts this season, whilst averaging 2.4 dribbles per 90. Mohamed Salah isn't only the star man for Egypt but the best player in the tournament and some would argue the world right now. With 23 goals and nine assists this season, his ability to conjure something out of nothing gives Egypt a great chance of regaining their crown.

 

GUINEA-BISSAU


Coach: Baciro Cande
Best AFCON finish: Group stage exit
AFCON 2019 finish: Group stage exit
Star man: Moreto Cassama
Possible XI (4141): Mendes; Nanu, Sangante, Mane, Cande; Bura; Piqueti, Semedo, Cassama, Jorginho; Mendy
One to watch: Fali Cande

While not blessed with the talent of their neighbours, Guinea-Bissau are also best stocked in midfield areas through the likes of Pele, Alfa Semedo and Moreto Cassama. The latter is arguably the star man and while many of the squad play in Portugal, he is a regular for Ligue 1 side Reims and a strong passer of the ball. The two full-backs Nanu - a bit part player with Porto - and Fali Cande are also solid performers, with the latter in particular enjoying a productive season in Liga NOS with Portimonense, offering a real outlet from the left. The issue in the squad is a lack of firepower, demonstrated by four consecutive matches without a goal.

 

 

NIGERIA

 
Coach: Augustine Eguavoen
Best AFCON finish: Winners x3 (most recent in 2013)
AFCON 2019 finish: Third place
Star man: Wilfred Ndidi
Possible XI (352): Okoye; Awaziem, Troost-Ekong, Balogun; Simon, Aribo, Ndidi, Iwobi, Collins; Iheanacho, Ighalo
One to watch: Maduka Okoye

Defeated in the semi-finals by a 95th minute Riyad Mahrez winner in 2019, Nigeria will be hoping to go one better but will have to do so without injured star striker Victor Osimhen. Luckily for the Super Eagles they aren't short of attacking options, with Leicester's Kelechi Iheanacho and former Watford striker Odion Ighalo among the alternatives. Hornets fans will be keeping a close eye on the man at the opposite end, however, with 22-year-old Maduka Okoye established as first choice keeper and set to link up with Ranieri's squad come the summer. Elsewhere Wilfred Ndidi hasn't been at his best at club level this season but is the centre point of the side, joined in midfield by Rangers star Joe Aribo.

SUDAN

 
Coach: Burhan Tia
Best AFCON finish: Winners (1970)
AFCON 2019 finish: Did not qualifying
Star man: Mohamed Abdelrahman
Possible XI (433): Abu-Eshrein; Alfadni, Nimer, Kasri, Amin; Al-Rasheed, Khedr, Omer; Hamed, Abdelrahman, Nouh
One to watch: Al-Jezoli Nouh

Having deployed a large number of their more experience internationals to last month's Arab Cup, it appears Sudan aren't really going to make much of a fist of the tournament in Cameroon. They will struggle to field an XI of competitive internationals for their opener with Guinea-Bissau, with star forward Mohamed Abdelrahman one of only two players to have scored for the senior side, with a respectable seven in 19 caps. He'll be joined in attack by 19-year-old Al-Jezoli Nouh, who - with eight caps - is among the most experienced in Burhan Tia's squad. Making a first appearance in the finals in ten years, it's unlikely to last ten days...

GROUP E

ALGERIA

 
Coach: Djamel Belmadi
Best AFCON finish: Winners x2 (most recent in 2019)
AFCON 2019 finish: Winners
Star man: Riyad Mahrez
Possible XI (433): M'Bolhi; Atal, Mandi, Bedrane, Bensebaini; Bennacer, Zerrouki, Feghouli; Mahrez, Bounedjah, Belaili
One to watch: Ismael Bennacer

Aiming to become the first team to defend their title since Egypt won three in a row from 2006 to 2010, Algeria approach the tournament off the back of another title in the Arab Cup last month. That victory came without their returning star men too, with Riyad Mahrez once again leading the charge for glory, assisted by the likes of Islam Slimani and Baghdad Bounedjah, competing for a spot up front. Three of four players with 20 plus goals in the squad, their impressive attack is given the platform to thrive from a solid defence and a midfield now marshalled by AC Milan star Ismael Bennacer.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

 
Coach: Juan Micha
Best AFCON finish: Fourth place (2015)
AFCON 2019 finish: Did not qualify
Star man: Emilio Nsue
Possible XI (4231): Owono; Akapo, Coco, Obiang, Ndong; Bikoro, Ganet; Nsue, Machin, Mirando; Siafa
One to watch: Jesus Owono

The surprise package of their home tournament in 2015, Equatorial Guinea used that advantage to make it all the way to the semis, but have failed to qualify for the two susbsequent tournaments. They lack any star names but do have a number of players operating in Spain, albeit almost exclusively outside of the top-flight. Emilio Nsue is a name many may recognise from spells with Middlesbrough and Birmingham and at 32 remains a key player for an otherwise youthful side. That much is highlighted by the fact the goalkeeper Jesus Owono has already won ten caps at the age of just 20 and made his senior LaLiga debut with Alaves just days before flying out to Cameroon.

 

 

IVORY COAST

 
Coach: Patrice Beaumelle
Best AFCON finish: Winners x2 (most recent in 2015)
AFCON 2019 finish: Quarter-final exit
Star man: Franck Kessie
Possible XI (433): B.A. Sangare; Aurier, Bailly, Boly, Konan; I. Sangare, Seri, Kessie; Pepe, Haller, Cornet
One to watch: Ibrahim Sangare

While the glory days of Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba are behind them, Ivory Coast certainly have one of the strongest squads at the tournament, and it's just a case of ensuring they add up to the sum of their parts. However, one key part will be absent after a late ban for first choice keeper Sylvain Gbohouo, leaving the vacant spot in goal very much up for grabs. Sebastien Haller is the focal point the side has lacked of late and is supported by the likes of Wilf Zaha, Nicolas Pepe and Maxwel Cornet from wide, at least one of whom may have to miss out. The midfield is strong too and packed with power provided by AC Milan's sought after Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare, rejuvenated since a move to PSV. Unfortunately for the Elephants, first choice centre-back pairing Eric Bailly and Willy Boly have seen very little action for their clubs this season, which could prove telling.

SIERRA LEONE


Coach: John Keister
Best AFCON finish: Group stage exit
AFCON 2019 finish: Did not qualify
Star man: Kei Kamara
Possible XI (433): M. Kamara; Kakay, Caulker, Bangura, Wright; Fofanah, J. Kamara, Quee; K. Kamara, A. Kamara, Kallon
One to watch: Issa Kallon

After sanctions from FIFA Sierra Leone have had limited matches in recent times and approach the tournament off the back of just two friendly outings in the last six months. Their latest squad is sprinkled with a number of London-born players including Championship representatives in Osman Kakay and Idris Kanu, along with one time England international and indeed goalscorer Steven Caulker. At the opposite end 37-year-old striker Kei Kamara is still an important player, while watch out for another newcomer to the squad in Issa Kallon. The former Dutch youth international operates from the left and has had a direct hand in nine goals for Eredivisie outfit Cambuur this season.

GROUP F

THE GAMBIA

 
Coach: Tom Saintfiet
Best AFCON finish: Never previously qualified
AFCON 2019 finish: Did not qualify
Star man: Musa Barrow
Possible XI (532): Gaye; Janko, Gomez, Colley, Sundberg, Touray; Darboe, Adams, Bobb; Ceesay, Barrow
One to watch: Ebrima Darboe

Joining Comoros as debutants of the Africa Cup of Nations finals, The Gambia haven't featured to now for reasons besides not qualified, including withdrawing, being banned and not previously being affiliated to CAF. They'll be hoping to make an impression at the first attempt then, but haven't played a competitive international since last March. They do boast some exciting youngsters, however, not least Bologna forward Musa Barrow, who at 23 has 26 goals and 19 Serie A assists to his name. Elsewhere in Italy's top-flight, 20-year-old midfielder Ebrima Darboe has already made a handful of appearances for Roma and captain Omar Colley has been a mainstay at Sampdoria for over three years.

MALI


Coach: Mohamed Magassouba
Best AFCON finish: Runners up (1972)
AFCON 2019 finish: Round of 16 exit
Star man: Yves Bissouma
Possible XI (4231): Mounkoro; H. Traore, Sacko, Kouyate, C. Traore; Bissouma, Camara; A. Troare, Haidara, Djenepo; Kone
One to watch: Mohamed Camara

They may not be among the favourites to go the distance in Cameroon, but Mali undoubtedly possess one of the strongest midfields at the tournament. It's a lineup that's been boosted by the return to the national team of Yves Bissouma for the first time since 2018, with the Brighton midfielder proving on numerous occasions this season that he is capable of playing at the very top level. He's joined in midfield by the impressive Mohamed Camara of Salzburg and RB Leipzig's Amadou Haidara, while captain Hamari Traore and centre-back Kiki Kouyate are both strong Ligue 1 performers. It's a squad capable of improving on their round of 16 exit last time out, that's for sure.

 

 

MAURITANIA


Coach: Didier Gomes Da Rosa
Best AFCON finish: Group stage exit
AFCON 2019 finish: Group stage exit
Star man: Aboubakar Kamara
Possible XI (433): Diop; Karamoko, Ab. Ba, Houeibib, Abeid; N'Diaye, Dellahi, Mahmoud; Ad. Ba, S. Doukara, Kamara
One to watch: Abdellahi Mahmoud

Making only their second appearance at the finals having now qualified for back-to-back tournaments, Mauritania managed two draws in the group stages last time out but are yet to taste their first victory. That will be the main goal in Cameroon and the draw could certainly have been worse in that regard. Former Leeds forward Souleymane Doukara is a newcomer to the squad at 30 and could lead the line, while Aboubakar Kamara, formerly of Fulham, has Premier League experience to his name. Elsewhere 21-year-old midfeilder Abdellahi Mahmoud is already a regular in the team and enjoying a productive loan spell in Croatia from LaLiga side Deportivo Alaves.

TUNISIA


Coach: Mondher Kebaier
Best AFCON finish: Winners (2004)
AFCON 2019 finish: Fourth place
Star man: Wahbi Khazri
Possible XI (433): Ben Mustapha; Drager, Bronn, Talbi, Maaloul; Slimane, Skhiri, Mejbri; Sliti, Khazri, Msakni
One to watch: Hannibal Mejbri

Fresh from finishing runners-up in the Arab Cup, the squad will arrive in Cameroon perhaps not so fresh, with a number of players taking part in both tournaments. Beaten semi-finalists in 2019, Tunisia are an outside shot to replicate that sort of success but are a well-organised outfit with some star quality in attack. Ellyes Skhiri is the midfield general flanked by impressive youngsters Anis Slimane and Manchester United teenager Hannibal Mejbri, who is very much one to watch. Wahbi Khazru is still the main goal threat and at 30 has re-established himself as a first choice forward in Ligue 1 with Saint-Etienne. They should escape the group relatively comfortably but could struggle to navigate the knockout phase this time around.

AFCON 2021 Complete Team Guide: Possible XIs and Ones to Watch