5 biggest stars who will miss the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)

#3. Joel Matip

Liverpool ace Joel Matip is another star who will play no part in this year's AFCON. The former Cameroon international was excluded from the Indomitable Lions' squad for AFCON on their home soil.

Matip retired from international duty in 2015 without publicly declaring his decision, sparking controversy in Cameroon. The defender was selected for the 2017 AFCON, but he declined the invitation, citing his retirement as the reason. In his absence, Cameroon won the title.

Matip was born and raised in Germany and became a full Cameroon international in 2010. He played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup as a teenager, as well as in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

When quizzed, Matip revealed that he retired as a result of the bad experience he had with the coaching staff and his unhappiness with the national set-up.

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#2. Oghenekaro Etebo

Nigeria have another high-profile absentee in Watford midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo. The 26-year old suffered a torn quad injury in a Premier League match against Newcastle United in September.

The on-loan Stoke City man made an impressive start to life at Vicarage Road before his unfortunate injury which required him to go under the knife. The all-action midfielder was part of the Super Eagles team that claimed bronze in the 2019 AFCON, and was one of their best players at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Etebo has stepped up his recovery program over the past few weeks, but the AFCON tournament is expected to come too soon for the midfielder.

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#1. Hakim Ziyech

Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech is the highest profile absentee from this year's AFCON. The winger was dropped by Morocco manager Vahid Halilhodzic after a falling out between the pair in June earlier this year.

The left-footed dazzler refused to take to the pitch for a match against Ghana, citing an injury as his reason even though the medical team had passed him fit to play. Ziyech and Halilhodzic engaged in a war of words on social media afterwards, with the 28-year-old winger calling his manager a liar.

Ziyech was born and raised in the Netherlands, but has scored 17 times in 40 appearances for Morocco. The winger has been excluded from the national side since his clash with Halilhodzic, and his omission from the squad in this year's AFCON is no surprise.

When asked about his decision, Halilhodzic stated that he did not want players with negative attitudes in his team, as it could lead to a problem for him. Ziyech will remain in London with Chelsea while his teammates pursue AFCON glory.