AFCON 2022 is just hours away from kicking off with Cameroon being provided with the hosting rights for the competition, know who can win the player of the tournament award
The African Cup of Nations is almost here after quite a long time with some of Africa’s biggest names all set to represent their countries at the biggest football stage in the African continent. Algeria and Senegal are once again the favourites to win the title this year but it would not be prudent to underestimate teams like Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria and Ivory Coast who are all exceedingly strong as well.
But who are the top five favourites to bag the player of the tournament award this time? Let’s find out.
AFCON 2022: Top 5 Favorites To Win Player Of The Tournament Award, Predictions And Betting Odds
- Edouard Mendy
The Senegalese goalkeeper has been outstanding for Chelsea not just this season, but in the previous seasons as well. Always making extremely impressive saves, Mendy is an exceptional short-stopper who currently has eight clean sheets to his name in the Premier League 2021/22 season.
Thanks to his consistency and talent, Chelsea are currently placed second in the English League. In five Champions League games, the 29-year old has conceded just one goal, meaning he has kept four clean sheets.
- Sebastian Haller
Haller’s tenure at Premier League side West Ham United had not been worth commending, but his move to AFC Ajax has helped his career grow a great deal. The Ivory Coast International has netted 10 goals in 6 games in the Champions League this season for Ajax, a number that has significantly helped the Dutch side emerge victorious in all six of their group stage fixtures for the very first time in the history of the Amsterdam based club.
His insane form is what has helped him achieve the feat of becoming the fourth player ever to score 10 group stage goals.
- Sadio Mane
Another Senegalese on this list, we already know how much of a threat Sadio Mane can be this time in Cameroon. The captain of Senegal has been a key player for Jurgen Klopp’s side for the last five seasons and he always makes his presence felt, contributing a great deal with important goals, combined with a work rate like no other player. With 25 goals and 18 assists in 78 games for Senegal till now, Mane is surely a player to watch and look out for in the African competition this time.
- Riyad Mahrez
Whether it was at Leicester City or now at Man City under Pep Guardiola, Mahrez is always a player to rely on in big and important games. The Algerian captain was hugely responsible for his country’s triumph at the AFCON in 2019, having found the back of the net three times in seven matches.
- Mohamed Salah
Currently the best player in the Premier League, and probably the best in the world right now (as per several fans), Salah has the highest chances of winning the player of the tournament award this year. The Egyptian king is absolutely phenomenal and is the biggest treat for every defender he faces. Like every season, Salah has been a menace in the Premier League so far, netting 16 goals and coming out as the division’s leading goal scorer.
In 73 appearances for Egypt till now, Salah has scored 43 goals and 24 assists. These insane numbers are just going to mount, given that the Egyptian king is able to maintain his consistency level.
The betting odds can be found here.