A new edition of one of the planet's most important and thrilling tournaments, the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is just around the corner. Teams from the African continent are gearing up with all their firepower to lift the trophy and kick off the year on a high note. Various African nations, home to some of the world's best players, will compete, captivating football fans who eagerly follow their detailed development and performance in each match. Let's take a closer look at some of the standout players in the upcoming AFCON starting on Saturday, January 13, 2024, in Ivory Coast.

• Sadio Mané: The Senegalese footballer is undoubtedly one of the most prominent stars of AFCON 2023, and it's easy to see why. The Al-Nassr player is here to defend the champion title secured in the last AFCON (2021) with Senegal, a historic first for the nation. Named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, Mané's outstanding performance contributed significantly to Senegal's historic football moment. Recently married to Aisha Timba, his newfound motivation is expected to shine on the field.

• Mohamed Salah: Notably, the Liverpool player, Egyptian Mohamed Salah, stands out as one of the best players globally and a Premier League star, hailed by Jürgen Klopp as "one of the best players in history." Currently excelling in the Premier League with 14 goals this season, Salah aims to overcome the disappointment of Egypt's runner-up position in AFCON 2021, seeking redemption and a significant title in his career.

• Victor Osimhen: The 25-year-old Nigerian player, Victor Osimhen, is one of Africa's greatest promises and among the best young players today. Osimhen enters AFCON 2023 with hopes of lifting his fourth Africa Cup of Nations title, aiming to equal Ghana as the third most successful team in the tournament's history. After a stellar 2023, winning the Serie A with Napoli and earning individual accolades, Osimhen is a standout star to watch.

• Achraf Hakimi: The 25-year-old Moroccan defender, Achraf Hakimi, is undoubtedly one of the stars to follow in the upcoming AFCON. Being one of the world's best defenders and playing for PSG, Hakimi brings the desire to win Morocco's second title. He aims to showcase his skills and contribute to Morocco's success, following their impressive performance in the 2022 World Cup.

• Yassine Bounou: The goalkeeper who caught everyone's attention in the 2022 World Cup with incredible saves and outstanding performances for Morocco, Yassine Bounou, will be one of the key players in the upcoming AFCON. Seeking to contribute whatever is necessary for Morocco to achieve their set objectives, Bounou, as stated by his teammate Romain Saïss, deems reaching the final as the only acceptable goal. The current Al-Hilal goalkeeper aspires to establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Moroccan football history.

These five players are just a glimpse of the talent that will
illuminate the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. They promise excitement, passion,
and sacrifice, undoubtedly bringing their best football to elevate the name of
their respective countries.