World Cup 2018: Top 5 African strikers to watch out for

The World Cup commences in under 3 weeks time and the players will be raring to go. From Africa, 5 teams have qualified for the finals. With some talented African players on show, it will be interesting to see how far the teams will go.

With a number of African stars plying their trade in Europe, viewers from the African continent have steadily grown and increased. The European leagues still boast some of the world's finest goal scorers from Africa.

The likes of Mane, Salah and Musa have all lit up PL audiences but will face another kind of pressure at the World Cup, playing for their countries.

Here we take a look at the top five Africans players headed to the World Cup in Russia.

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#5 Sadio Mane

Senegal's attacking gem, Sadio Mane will go into this competition high on form after an impressive season for Liverpool. With the club in the Champions League final, Mane will have eyes firmly set on the World Cup only after their showcase meeting with Real Madrid.

Mane has been in sensational form along with Salah and Firmino for his club but will have to adapt to football without his two favourite front men and produce displays by himself to help Senegal advance.

A blistering quick footballer with great technique and ability, Mane possess the quality to win games out of nothing with something spectacular. Whether he can continue his good form at the World Cup, only time will tell but he is one dangerous player.

#4 Anice Badri

Badri (L) in action for Tunisia v Costa Rica

Anice Badri, the 27-year-old Tunisian striker, is hopeful of an excellent showing from his country at the World Cup. Going into the tournament beaming with confidence, Badri is sure that his country could be a revelation in the upcoming tournament.

Having scored an invaluable goal to help guide the country to the World Cup, Badri has been in good touch this season domestically that earned him a place in the provisional squad for the World Cup in Russia.

A sharp striker, with a knack to score the important goal, Badri is also a hard worker off the ball to help his team in transitions. The Tunisian player is confident of a good showing and the team are currently ranked 14th in the world and could be the surprise packages of the 2018 Russia World Cup.

#3 Ahmed Musa

Nigeria v Argentina: Group F - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

Former Leicester City striker, Ahmed Musa did not enjoy his time in the Premier League, hardly getting any consistent game-time under three managers. Musa struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League and could have cost him a place in the Nigerian World Cup squad.

Loaned back to CSKA Moscow during the January window, Musa won consistent game-time and scored six goals in 10 appearances for the Russian club. Going into the World Cup with more confidence, Nigeria will be boosted by the players' presence and will be hoping for a repeat performance from the 2014 World Cup, where Musa lit the stage on fire.

A crafty, quick attacking player, Musa can cause the best of defences problems on his day and what better stage to display your skills than the FIFA World Cup.

#2 Diafra Sakho

Sakho in action for Rennes

Former West Ham United striker, Diafra Sakho is a unique striker with great aerial ability as well as footwork. A quick centre-forward, Sakho is a potent threat in the air and causes defences a lot of problems during his runs down the channel.

Currently plying his club trade in France, with Rennes, Sakho has secured a spot in Senegal's team and along with Mane will be the team's most prominent attacking stars. A good hold up player as well, Sakho has an incredible work ethic to go along with his skills and ability.

Since his move from West Ham to Rennes, the striker has regained some confidence and form by netting a few goals in the French league. Goals at the World Cup will not be easy to come by for the player, although his sneaky presence could fetch his country some important chances.

#1 Mohamed Salah

Salah

Mohammed Salah had a marvellous season this year for Liverpool. A number of pundits were sceptical on his arrival back to the Premier League at the start of the season. However, Salah turned on the show, appearing 36 times in the PL, scoring 32 goals.

Salah also guided Egypt to the World Cup in Russia but before he could set his eyes on the World Cup, he will sweat it out against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday. Crucial to both Liverpool's and Egypt's chances, Salah is undoubtedly one of the most in-form strikers in the world.

If the Egyptians make it through to the next round, KIng Salah will have to spearhead their campaign being the experienced top level campaigner.