The African Cup of Nation (AFCON) births new players and is also a place where legends cement their legacies. Egypt’s Hassan brother, late Stephen Keshi and the Class of ’94, the Samuel Eto’o and Rigobert Song dynasties, and recently Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly ensured they would forever be mentioned among the pantheons after exiting the global stage by winning the tournament for their countries.
However, some players are waiting in the wings to ensure they do not retire without winning the trophy for their beloved nation to avoid the “unfulfilled talent” tag. We preview five continental stars probably in their last chance saloon to taste continental glory.
William Paul Ekong: This Netherlands-born central defender is one of Nigeria’s foreign contingents in a period talent has become scarce for the Super Eagles. The 6 ft 3’ calm defender has failed to convert his leadership skills to continental glory for the Eagles. He has fallen down the top crop of African players holding sway in Europe but the 30-year-old with 65 caps for Nigeria has revitalized his career at PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece but could be shown the exit door if he fails to provide on-field inspiration to Jose Peseiro’s boys in Ivory Coast.
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Nicolas Pepe: The former Arsenal record signing is a shock inclusion for Ivory Coast’s AFCON squad and the coach hopes the 28-year-old will find form on home soil. The 28-year-old was earmarked as the player to lead the nation into the future following her golden generation but has endured poor form and long spells on the sideline. The Trabzonspor forward will therefore be under immense pressure to supply the like of Sebastian Haller or take the initiative, or he kisses representing his nation in the future goodbye.
Hakim Ziyech: The Moroccan national team broke the African quarter-final voodoo at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, reaching the semi-finals, and Ziyech was an integral member. This form must however be brought to an AFCON tournament the Atlas Lions have not won since 1976. While Ziyech has since left Chelsea and is currently struggling for impact at Galatasaray, he remains an influential part of a star-studded Morocco side. At 30 years old, the mercurial winger with 21 international goals could be ushered out of the group if he fails to bring the title back to Rabat in February.
Ayew brothers: The duo of Dede and Jordan Ayew are 34 and 31 years old respectively and while there is no new player from the Abedi Pele line coming in after them, they are in a win-or-burst situation for the Ghana national team. The Ayews are usually at the centre of blame for the Black Stars’ failures in any competition, and there is no denying that both remain passionate for their country despite media onslaught and fans’ backlash. Dede Ayew is an AFCON veteran of seven tournaments entering his eighth, while Jordan will be playing his sixth campaign. Dede, captain of the Black Stars, has however not lifted silverware in his senior national team career and this AFCON should be the last place to convert his passion to silverware for the Gold Coast nation on the big stage, or plan international retirement with his brother.
