Five young players to watch out for at the African Cup of Nations

Modified Jan 04, 2017 08:25 GMT

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Ramadan Sobhi of Stoke City (32) shoots at goal which leads to an own goal by Alfie Mawson of Swansea City (not pictured) for their second goal during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Swansea City at Bet365 Stadium on October 31, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) — Ramadan Sobhi has been settling well into the Stoke team after his £5m move from Al Ahly

#1) Elia Meschak – DR Congo (TP Mazembe)

Elia Meschak is a rising star for DR Congo

20-year-old Meschak burst on to the scene in the best way possible way by becoming the tournament’s joint top scorer at the 2016 African Nations Championship, helping his side to the title with a brace in the finals against Mali.

His side will be hoping he can repeat that magic at the Cup of Nations – a tournament they haven’t won since 1974 – especially since they’re in the same group as Ivory Coast and Togo, with Morocco completing the set. With expectations high, and a player who’s known for his belief in his abilities, the stage seems set for some fireworks.