Midfielders such as Teboho Mokoena, pictured, Franck Kessié and Alex Iwobi could prove decisive as AFCON gets under way in Morocco. Photo: Backpagepix When the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gets underway in Morocco on December 21, the 24 nations will be vying for the coveted continental crown. But they’ll all know that the strength of their spine – the midfield – will need to come to the fore, helping both in defence and attack in order to maintain balance and apply pressure on opponents.
That’s why we look at five midfielders who can light up the continental showpiece and ensure that their respective nations reach the promised land. Mokoena has been one of the standout performers for Bafana Bafana in recent years. His outing at the last AFCON in Ivory Coast was exceptional.
He was the heartbeat of the team, forming a vital link between defence and attack, scoring crackers from distance and proving deadly from set pieces. The diminutive midfielder hasn’t had the best of campaigns at Real Madrid, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that he remains one of the most explosive players in the game. Not only does he add firepower to the attacking unit with his quick feet, but he also has trickery up his sleeve and, most importantly, a knack for goal.
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When Ivory Coast rose from the ashes to win the continental crown on home soil in the last edition, Kessié was the star behind their success. He was the mastermind in the engine room, keeping things tidy and allowing his teammates to thrive in both defence and attack. He also showcased impeccable leadership, helping the team play with confidence and composure.
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