Players to watch during the race!

On January 13, the 7th African Nations Championship (CHAN 2022) begins in Algeria. The competition, intended for football players who play in some club of their country, attracts the attention of several observers. Here are some players who can light up with their talents.

Two-time title champions Morocco will have 18 selections in the race for succession. As in previous editions, this is an opportunity for local players from qualified countries to shine. Considering their quality, there are some players that can explode the screen. This list is obviously not exhaustive and there will certainly be surprises.

Aliou Badara Fati (Senegal)

Aliou Badara Faty, the only domestic player to feature with Senegal at CAN 2021, was the 4th goalkeeper for Teranga Lions in Cameroon. He is in the shoes of the African champion who introduced himself to CHAN. Many consider him to be Senegal’s future local goalkeeper.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who is the author of the national double (Championship-Coupe) with Casa Sports, will play his role with the locals in Algeria. Aliou Badara Faty was also one of the great architects of Senegal’s CHAN qualification with his saves in the penalty shootout against Guinea. Therefore, CHAN presents itself as a new opportunity for him to showcase his talent and maybe even choose among the seniors.

Ahmed Kenduchi (Algeria)

This will surely be one of the host nation’s big attacking arguments this CHAN. Ahmed Kendouci is in good form at the start of the race. The ES Setif striker, who is the top scorer of the Algerian championship with 8 goals and 2 assists in 11 matches, is the center of Algeria’s A’ selection. In front of his fans, the 23-year-old can also light the local Fennecs matches.

Ngom Mbekeli Jerome (Cameroon)

Ngom Mbekeli Jérôme is perhaps a lesser-known profile to some on the continent, but could surprise during CHAN. Colombe du Dja and Lobo’s right-back is nicknamed the “Ngom depot” for his influence in the game, particularly the accuracy of his crosses. He was also a decisive passer in the friendly match against Uganda.

Hemeya Tanji (Mauritania)

He is one of the attacking players in form when he started CHAN. Hemeya Tanjy has a record of 11 goals and 4 assists in 11 domestic championship games for FC Nouadhibou. The striker, who featured in the recent Africa Cup of Nations with Mauritania’s A team, will be one to watch in the Mauritanian side.

In December 2021, the player distinguished himself with a spectacular goal against Syria in the Arab Nations Cup. At the age of 24, he was able to take advantage of this new continental exposure to attract foreign eyes.

Soufiane Benjdida (Morocco)

The Moroccan team will be one of the attractions of CHAN 2022. Unlike the other options, the reigning two-time champion comes with the U23 option. The players in this group are definitely lesser known, but they can surprise them. Soufiane Benjdida figure in this squad. The young RAJA striker is now considered one of the great promises of Moroccan football.

He should be the first offensive argument of the Atlas A ‘Lions, especially since he can play all three positions of the offensive line.

Gladson Awako (Ghana)

A lot of hope in Ghana rests on the shoulders of Gladson Awako. The only concern is his physical condition. The Black Galaxies captain, who was injured during a friendly against Algeria a few days ago, should be fit for Ghana’s first match against Madagascar on January 15, 2023.

Jonathan Ikangalombo (DRC)

This is an important element in coach Otis Ngoma’s system. Jonathan Ikangalombo scored two penalties in a friendly match against Libya on January 7. This allowed the Congolese to win 3:1.

With his mobility, strength, speed and dribbling, the 20-year-old is today nicknamed the Congolese “Mbappe”. Heading into the competition against Uganda on January 14, DRC may need the qualities of the DCMP striker to hit the away goal.

Pacome Zouzoua (Ivory Coast)

The ASEC Mimosas midfielder is in good shape heading into the CHAN. Pacome Zouzoua scored 6 goals in Ivorian Ligue 1 at the start of the season, as well as 3 goals in 6 continental competitions.

The 25-year-old played in the Czech Republic and Latvia and wore the colors of Africa Sports and then ASEC Mimosas before returning home. His experience could be very useful in this Ivorian group.

Sankara William Karamoko (Ivory Coast)

Only 19 years old, Sankara William Karamoko could be one of the discoveries of CHAN 2022. ASEC carries the resident Ivory selection of mimosas. The striker, who already scored in a friendly against Libya, is being heralded as one of the future prides of Ivorian football.

Ivory Coast, who are dreaming of their first title at the African Nations Championship, could count on him.

Milton Karisa (Uganda)

Milton Karisa carries Uganda’s CHAN 2022 hopes. At least the A’ cranes, who want to get past the first round, can count on their captain. Milton Karisa, who also plays in A, repeatedly shows his importance in the attacking sector.

Agile and versatile, the Vipers FC player has a creative flair and experience of continental competitions that could allow him to stand out.