The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations provides up-and-coming players with the perfect opportunity to strut their stuff.
------------------------------------------------------------
Predict result and win big with Soccer6
------------------------------------------------------------
These are the players who caught the eye on day one of the competition.
South Africa v Cape Verde:
Cape Verde's number-7 Luis Platini proved to be one to keep an eye on at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations following an impressive display against Bafana Bafana in the curtain raiser on Saturday.
The diminutive playmaker, who plies his trade in Portugal's second division with CD Santa Clara, looked a cut above the rest for most of the National Stadium encounter, showing plenty of aspects of his game, including some crisp passing and clever off-the-ball movement in the final third.
He was also on the end of what was the best chance of the game, breaking in behind the Bafana defence to latch onto a through-ball, leaving himself one-on-one with goalkeeper, but a loss of composure at the vital moment saw the forward drag his shot well wide of the mark.
The 26-year-old also showed the other side of his game, picking up a needless booking after deliberately shoulder-barging Itumeleng Khune down to the ground long after the goalkeeper had already taken possession of the ball.
Overall though it was an impressive attacking display from the Cape Verdean, who just might be able to raise more than a few eyebrows at this year's continental showpiece.
Angola v Morocco:
While the game was nothing to write home about, Morocco number 11 Oussama Assaidi particularly impressed with his attacking play down the left-hand side.
Plying his trade on Merseyside in England for Premier League giants Liverpool, the winger has yet to stake his claim to a regular spot under manager Brendan Rodgers, despite his obvious skill.
The 24-year-old, who joined the Reds in the off-season from Dutch Eredivisie side Heerenveen, was central to every Morocco attack down the left. The winger was intelligent with his movement and knew when to dribble and when to pass.
He had a golden opportunity in the 13th minute when he sprung free in the box, but failed to keep his shot from blazing over the cross bar.
Assaidi remained lively until Airosa came on for Lunguinha in the right-back position after 78 minutes. The substitute seemed better able to handle the little Moroccan than the man he replaced.
Overall an impressive display from the Liverpool fringe player and will have undoubtedly caught the eye of a few of the scouts in attendance.
Post A Comment!
Be the first to post a comment on this story