This week, another edition of AFCON will begin in the Cote d’Ivoire. The tournament is returning to the country for the first time since 1984, when Cameroon won their first title over Nigeria. Since then the tournament has expanded, with 24 teams set to battle it out to become the champions of the continent. Over the next week we will look at the Belgian based players set to compete. We have already looked at the two goalkeepers and all the defenders heading to the tournament, today we will look at the midfielders.
Majeed Ashimeru – Ghana and Anderlecht
Despite his limited game time for Anderlecht this season, Chris Hughton has taken a shining to Ashimeru since taking over as head coach of the Black Stars. Predictions amongst Ghana football journalists is that the 26-year-old will feature heavily for the side. He has played just six Pro League games this season, with only one of those being a start. The former RB Salzburg midfielder is certainly talented, but just has not seemed to be able to force his way into the Mauves starting XI this season. Match fitness will certainly be an issue, but the tournament is an opportunity to show other teams what he is capable of.
Joseph Paintsil – Ghana and Genk
One of the undoubted stars for Genk this season, Paintsil was a shock ommission from Ghana’s World Cup squad in 2022. Thankfully, the same mistake has not been repeated twice. The 25-year-old has picked up where he left off last campaign, with six goals and four assists in 19 matches. His direct running will be a threat for Ghana out wide, and his willingness to create and look to score should give them some extra firepower with injury concerns around Mohammed Kudus.
Amadou Diawara – Guinea and Anderlecht
Like Ashimeru, Diawara got the nod despite just 11 appearances, six of those starts, this season. Yet when you consider that he has been a constant for Guinea since 2019, it is hardly surprising. The former Napoli and Roma man has won 37 caps for his country, with seven of those appearances coming at Africa Cup of Nations. Guinea have always performed well at AFCON, and like others on this list, could give Diawara a chance of finding a club where he can get more first team football.
Mory Konate – Guinea and Mechelen
KV Mechelen had to wait longer than they wanted to finally get Mory Konate into the red and yellow shirt. After a bizzare visa issue, the former Sint-Truiden man has slotted well into their midfield. He gives Guinea a strong central defensive midfield presence, with an eye for breaking up opposition attacks. He can hit a ball well when he wants, but his main strength is in protecting the back line. He could be key in games where the side are the underdogs.
Jean-Thierry Lazare Amani – Cote d’Ivoire and Union St Gilloise
Over the past two seasons Jean-Thierry Lazare Amani has been in great form for Union St Gilloise. A busy player who isn’t afraid to put in a tackle, Amani will give the hosts a great box to box midfielder who can contribute at both ends. He has four Pro League assists in 19 games this season. The 25-year-old is unlikely to start, but could give the side a real boost off the bench.
Bilal El Khannouss – Morocco and Genk
Genk’s teenage sensation has continued to grow this season, even if the goal and assists numbers don’t leap off the page. His eye for a pass is exceptional, creating chances for others constantly. The 19-year-old has three goals and three assists in the league so far this season. Morocco will be one of the favourites, and El Khannouss could be key for them against sides that want to sit deep and force the Atlas Lions to break them down.
Raphael Onyedika – Nigeria and Club Brugge
With Wilfred Ndidi ruled out, there is a chance for Raphael Onyedika to stake a claim to the starting midfield spot. He has been a favourite under Ronny Deila for Club Brugge, starting 17 of the 18 Pro League matches he has featured in this season. Certainly a fan of a tackle, Onyedika could help solidify the Nigerian defence and give them a platform to attack from. The Super Eagles boast a plethora of attacking talent at the tournament, but it is in midfield and at the back that there are concerns for how far they could go.
Alhassan Yusuf – Nigeria and Antwerp
Yusuf got the call-up as a result of the injury to Leicester City’s Ndidi. The Antwerp man is worthy of being part of the squad and does have a lot to offer, but given that he was an injury replacement, he isn’t expected to feature much. Hopefully he will get a chance to show what he can do at some point during AFCON. He has great pace, which combined with a high footballing IQ makes him a quality defensive midfielder. He can read danger and has the speed to take action quickly, protecting the back line.
Interested in learning more about the history of AFCON? GBeNeFN editor in chief Ben Jackson recently published his debut book on the history of the tournament, which can be found here or from all major bookshops.
