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 2 of the competition.
Ghana 2-2 DR Congo:
Dieumerci Mbokani was the standout player in DR Congo's entertaining 2-2 draw with Ghana and proved he is one to watch in this year's AFCON.
With all eyes on his more illustrious counterpart Asamoah Gyan, the 6 ft 1 front-man stole the show with his excellent movement and link-up play up front for the Leopards.
The 27-year-old won a second-half penalty for the Congolese after his turn proved to be to sharp for Jerry Akaminko, who cynically brought down the striker in the area.
The former TP Mazembe forward stepped up and coolly slotted home the spot kick to equalise for the central African side.
Mbokani currently leads the line for Belgian giants Anderlecht and has proved to be a rather prolific goalscorer for his club, netting 29 goals in 41 appearances.
Expect the striker to add to his tally before the 2013 AFCON tournament is over.
Mali 1-0 Niger:
Niger were relieved when Issa Modibo Sidibe was cleared fit to take part in this year's Africa Cup of Nations, and it was easy to see why following his impressive showing for Menas in their opening match - despite losing 1-0 to Mali.
The 27-year-old, who is without a club after his contract at Niger Premier League side Akokana FC came to an end while he was sidelined for six months following major knee injury, suffered a blow to his head early on in the match but it didn't appear to effect his performance as he caused havoc in the Eagles defence.
Such is his talent that coach Gernot Rohr was not concerned about his limited game time leading up to the competition, and he was arguably his side's best player at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday night.
Formally of Premier Soccer League side Jomo Cosmos, Niger technical director Garba Lawali had told MTNFootball prior to kick-off that they anticipated a staring role for Sidibe at the competition.
"Modibo is playing the best football of his life now and the entire team are excited as a result. We now expect big things from him," said Lawali.
Post A Comment!
Be the first to post a comment on this story