5 upcoming players to watch out for in AFCON 2021

#3 Ibrahim Sangare

2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, Qualifier: Malawi v Cote d'Ivoire

Ibrahim Sangare has been rated highly in the football world for quite some time now. Even when the Ivory Coast international was relegated to Ligue 2 with Toulouse, everyone was sure he'd get a move back to top tier football.

He managed to get a move abroad, joining PSV Eindhoven in 2020. He has been extremely impressive in both the Europa League and Eredivise, be it at breaking down play or driving with the ball up the field.

For teams wanting a defensive-minded central midfielder, he is a must watch at AFCON.

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#2 Ilaix Moriba

FC Barcelona v RC Celta - La Liga Santander

There is a solid chance that Ilaix Moriba might not even start for Guinea at the AFCON. They already have Naby Keita and Amadou Diawara in midfield, who are sure to start in a two-man mid. But there is no doubt the RB Leipzig youngster will get his chance at AFCON.

Ilaix Moriba is an exceptionally talented midfielder. He was highly rated at La Masia and even in his few appearances for Barcelona's first team (18 across competitions), he did well.

A contract dispute ahead of the ongoing season meant he left his boyhood club and headed to Leipzig. However, neither Jesse Marsch nor his successor Domenico Tedesco have used him as a starter.

If Moriba does well at AFCON, he can not only showcase himself to potential suitors but also show his manager what he's made of.

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#1 Kamaldeen Sulemana

Pacy, tricky and a fantastic dribbler, Kamaldeen Sulemana has the potential to excite and excel. The Ghanaian forward, who signed for Rennes in France this summer, has been highly impressive.

Aside from being the type of player that brings people to the edge of their seats, he has now started working on his end product, which makes him immensely impactful.

There are reports Klopp is already keeping an eye out for him. A good AFCON can bring him to the world's notice.