5 players who could light up the AFCON

#3 Riyad Mahrez

Mahrez won the AFCON with Algeria in 2019

The Manchester City winger continues to impress with his incredible performances under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad. It's been another prolific outing for the 30-year-old attacker, who has refused to slow down in front of goal.

As it stands, Riyad Mahrez has a record of 11 goals and four assists to his name in 23 appearances for the Cityzens across all competitions this season. That includes four goals in the Premier League, five in the Champions League and two in the EFL Cup.

The skilled winger is no stranger when it comes to lighting things up in the AFCON. He was highly influential as he led Algeria to triumph in the tournament during the 2019 edition, scoring three goals in seven games. Once again, his nation will be looking up to him to make the difference for the team when the AFCON kicks off in January.

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#2 Sadio Mane

Another player to keep an eye on in the AFCON

Liverpool winger Sadio Mane is another superstar who could steal the show in the AFCON next year. The Senegalese needs no introduction; he's been at par with the most potent attackers in world football over the last couple of seasons.

Mane has scored seven Premier League goals for the Reds so far this season, earning him a spot among the most prolific goalscorers in the English top flight. He also has two goals to his name in six Champions League outings for the Merseysiders.

The Senegalese managed to lead his nation into the AFCON final in 2019 but they were unlucky to suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Algeria. Next year presents him with the opportunity to make up for that shortcoming and he'll definitely be keen to grab it with both hands.

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#1 Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian is currently in a class of his own

There's no doubt Mohamed Salah will carry the most attention heading into the AFCON tournament in January. The Liverpool winger has been hailed by many as the best player in the world right now following his incredible start to the season.

The attacker has been in a class of his own since the campaign kicked off, tearing opposition defenses apart and scoring with ease. So far, he's bagged 22 goals and nine assists for the Reds in 24 games across all competitions. That includes 15 goals in the Premier League and seven in the Champions League.

Salah's numbers are taking him closer to the Ballon d'Or-winning level. Knowing the important role international competitions play in deciding the winner of major accolades these days, the Egyptian will certainly go all out in the AFCON.