The African Cup of Nations (AFCON), avails players the chance to bring glory and pride to their country, but also, it gives these players a fair chance to prove themselves to the world and also sell their talents.
They are fully aware of this, and that is why you see them play like their lives depend on it.
Many have gotten their breakthrough signing from this platform and again, many will.
By this time, football agents and managers have been on a steady lookout, as they hunt for talents.
AFCON 2023
Some players in the ongoing 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast have given a very good account of themselves and they have attracted the attention of some top European clubs.
The 2023 AFCON has been one of the most unpredictable editions of the tournament and has attracted an unprecedented viewership across the world, although being played while other top leagues are ongoing.
Since the tournament began on January 13, a series of scouts from different clubs in Europe have been spotted in Ivory Coast trying to spot football talents for their respective clubs.
Meet six players from the 2023 AFCON who will likely be signed to bigger clubs:
Lamine Camara (Metz & Senegal, midfielder)
During Senegal’s time in the 2023 AFCON, Lamine Camara proved himself beyond doubt that he was worthy of winning the 2023 U-20 tournament African Player of the Year award in December.
The 20-year-old won the man-of-the-match award after scoring two goals in Senegal’s 3-0 win over Gambia.
With his performance in the 2023 AFCON, the box-to-box midfielder who joined Metz in February 2023 may move to a bigger club in Europe next summer.
Jesus Owono (Alaves & Equatorial Guinea, goalkeeper)
Jesus Owono came through for Equatorial Guinea during their time in the 2023 AFCON with some unbelievable saves especially in the group stage.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper who is currently contracted to La Liga club Alaves was so good during the tournament that he was named the man of the match in Equatorial Guinea’s opening draw with Nigeria and in their stunning 4-0 win over the 2023 AFCON hosts, Ivory Coast.
Emam Ashour (Al Ahly & Egypt, midfielder)
Emam Ashour was one of the bright stars in Egypt’s squad during their time in the 2023 AFCON.
The 25-year-old midfielder played just 192 minutes throughout the tournament, but he was able to make four shots on targets from seven attempts. He also created three chances.
Aboubakary Koita (Sint-Truiden & Mauritania, forward)
Aboubakary Koita was the backbone of Mauritania during their time in the 2023 AFCON. The 25-year-old was almost unstoppable in terms of pace whenever he was on the ball on the wings.
His efforts helped Mauritania to beat Algeria 1-0 during the tournament which was his country’s first win in the history of the tournament.
Gelson Dala (Al Wakrah & Angola, forward)
Gelson Dala has been outstanding so far in the 2023 AFCON and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he moves to a big club in Europe this coming summer.
By statistics, the 27-year-old forward scores every 79 minutes on average at the 2023 AFCON.
His goalscoring run at the tournament will be tested after their clash against Nigeria on Friday, February 2.
Also Read: AFCON: Implications Of Ivory Coast’s Exit
Gelson Dala is currently the second top joint scorer in the 2023 AFCON with four goals after four games, a goal below first-placed Emilio Nsue of Guinea.
Aguibou Camara (Atromitos & Guinea, forward)
Another player who will likely move to a big club in Europe due to his performance in the 2023 AFCON is Aguibou Camara of Guinea.
The 22-year-old forward was the man of the match in Guinea’s win over Gambia.
Due to how important he has been, he has not missed any of the team’s games at the tournament.
All eyes are on him as his country face DR Congo in the quarter-finals on February 2.
