John Goliath, who will cover the African Cup of Nations for Independent Media, looks at the players that will keep fans on edge of their seats.
Gervinho (Ivory Coast)
Age:27
Club: AS Roma
The Ivory Cost forward is one of the trickiest customers to face because of his ability to glide past defenders with the ball at his feet. His pace and close control helps him to get into good scoring positions behind the opposition’s defensive line. However, the final product isn't always great, as he has the tendency to miss quite a few chances. Gervinho is quite versatile. But for a small guy he also has a bit of temper. He was sent off on his Premier League debut for Arsenal after slapping Joey Barton.
Did you know?
Gervinho's real name is Gervais Yao Kouassi. He was given the Brazilian-Portuguese style nickname “Gervinho”, derived from his first name Gervais, by the Brazilian coach who trained him at ASEC Abidjan.
Thuso Phala (South Africa)
Age:28
Club: SuperSport United
Thuso Phala played himself into reckoning for Shakes Mashaba's squad with some brilliant performances for his club SuperSport United in their run to the Telkom Knockout trophy. Phala has got calves the size of basketballs, which propel him forward at the rate of knots. His sheer pace down the right wing is going to give Bafana much-needed width. The stocky Phala has got the ability to get to the byline by beating defenders with his pace and strength. His crossing remains an Achilles heel of his game, though.
Did you know?
Phala was featured in a BBC documentary in 2004 entitled “Football and Freedom” which followed the paths of two 13 year-old South Africans aiming to become professional players.
Yacine Brahimi (Algeria)
Age:24
Club: Porto
Brahimi won the coveted BBC African Footballer of the Year award last year, beating the likes of the Yaya Toure and Gervinho to the prize. The Algerian playmaker is one of the rising stars of world football, could fire Algeria to their second title and first tournament win in 25 years. Brahimi showcased his dribbling skills at the World Cup, when Algeria showed their pedigree with a few top performances. He can also play through the middle or on the left, but he is definitely at his best when he gets the ball in between the opposition's defence and midfield.
Did you know?
Brahimi Was born in France and played for French national team from Under-16 to Under-21 level
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Age:22
Club: Southampton
Sadio Mane is actually injured, but such is his importance to the to Senegal’s cause that he has been included in their squad for the finals anyway. Mane injured his calf muscle on New Year’s day and is supposed to be out for four weeks. So, while he might not feature for Senegal in the first few matches, they are hoping he could be a force if they make the knockout stages. Mane has silky smooth skills on the ball, and can get himself out of tricky situations with a his quick feet and wonderful touch. He also has an eye for goal and can also pull defenders all over the park with his trickery.
Did you know?
Played every minute of Senegal's matches at the 2012 London Olympics
Thievy Bifouma (Congo-Brazzaville)
Age:22
Club: Almeira
The Spain-based forward showed during the qualifiers that he is a force to be reckoned with after virtuoso performances against Nigeria and Bafana Bafana. His first touch is as smooth as silk, and he can beat defenders with his power and a quick turn of pace. His ability to draw fouls in and around the box makes him really tricky to defend against, while he is always a goal threat. However, the burden of carrying this team could be too much for him, as he sometimes looks a bit lost when things don't go his way.
Did you know?
He scored after 36 seconds of making his Premier League debut for West Brom in January last year. - The Star