Seven stars who could shine at Africa Cup of Nations

The Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea is underway with many of the continent's leading stars on show - here are seven players whose performances could shape the tournament:

Yacine Brahimi Algeria

Yacine Brahimi will be looking to impress for Algeria in Equatorial Guinea (AAP)

Yacine Brahimi (Algeria): Porto wing wizard Brahimi possesses the kind of nimble footwork that terrifies even the hardiest defenders. Until two years ago it seemed highly unlikely Brahimi would be playing in this tournament, though. Paris-born, he represented France at age groups all the way through to the 2011 European Under-21 championship. But in 2013 he pledged his future to Algeria, he scored for it at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and since leaving Spanish side Granada for Porto last July he has gone from strength to strength.

Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon): Another Porto player, but one whose club career has rather stalled since moving to Portugal last northern summer from French side Lorient. Aboubakar is nevertheless regarded as a natural successor to Samuel Eto'o as the spearhead of Cameroon's attack. If the Indomitable Lions are to succeed over the coming weeks he may need to find his old scoring boots. Looked a class act during his days in France.

Andre Ayew (Ghana): Marseille is battling near the top of the French league and robust left winger Ayew has been a key factor behind its success. Fancied by a host of clubs as he approaches the end of his contract at the Stade Velodrome, the 25-year-old will put his skills on show for Avram Grant's Ghana, two years after briefly turning his back on international football.

Dean Furman (South Africa): Doncaster Rovers midfielder Furman might not play club football at the glitzy end of the game but that could change. Approaching the end of his contract with the English third-tier side, Furman has temporarily left South Yorkshire to skipper his native South Africa on the big stage. He has stepped up to the armband role after previous captain Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead in October, and millions of eyes - some perhaps belonging to talent scouts - will be watching how he handles the responsibility.

Heldon (Cape Verde Islands): It will have escaped the attention of many, but Cape Verde Islands is ranked a lofty 40th by FIFA - higher than both Cameroon and the reigning African champion Nigeria, which failed to qualify this time. And in Heldon, the Sporting striker, it has a menacing forward. He shone for Maritimo in Portugal to earn his big move last January, and while he has struggled to make an impact at Sporting, his country will be expecting.

Yaya Toure (Cote d'Ivoire): The reigning and four-time African footballer of the year has spoken recently of a growing desire to win a trophy with Cote d'Ivoire. At the age of 32, the midfielder's chances are running out but Cote d'Ivoire has a squad brimming with top-class talent. On paper, it should win this tournament. If Toure finds his peak Manchester City form, it surely will.

Papiss Cisse (Senegal): Prolific when fit for Newcastle United, Cisse is a livewire striker who can turn games even against the classiest opposition. Finding itself in the 'group of death' alongside Algeria, South Africa and Ghana, Cisse's Senegal team-mates and supporters will hope the 29-year-old is in the mood for a major challenge.


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3 min read
Published 17 January 2015 12:05am
Updated 18 January 2015 3:58pm
Source: PA Sport

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