AFCON 2021 : Stars Living Up To Expectation

As the 33rd edition of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations rounds off with Day One games today January 12, 2022 with matches in Limbe, there seems to be unanimity on the output of favourite teams likewise their star players. There is yet to be any surprise or major upset at collective and individual levels, except the Algeria-Sierra Leone 0-0 draw yesterday.
While teams initially tipped as favourites, judging from their past glories and recent performances, have ascertained their supremacy thus far over not-so-vibrant selections, outstanding players whose names alone take many supporters to the stadium have lived up to their billing. They have either directly scored vital goals or assisted in precious victories which brighten the chances of their respective selections for sailing into the next stage of the 24-nation tournament at the end of the ongoing group phase matches. 
Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar defied all odds to secure three points for the Indomitable Lions in the competition’s opener against the Stallions of Burkina Faso. The first win was not only heart-warming for the thousands of fans who thronged the ultramodern Olembe stadium to live the historic kicker of the competition in Cameroon but as well boosted the morale of the entire team to strive for more victories as the competition evolves. That the Al Nassr Ryad striker won the Man of the Match Award was therefore logical.
Morocco’s Sofiane Boufal in the Atlas Lions’ outing against the Black Stars of Ghana Monday gave his side the first three points of Group C with an 83rd minute goal. The Morocco-Ghana encounter was no doubt one of the top matches of the first outings in the competition and it needed a player of exceptional qualities to deliver a team. Meanwhile in Bafoussam, Senegal started off on a good footing thanks to a last-minute goal scored from a spot kick by its ace attacker, Liverpool’s Sadio Mane. The 30-year-old striker simply confirmed his top form and dependable position given him by bookmakers prior to the ongoing competition. Mane’s-enhanced Senegal victory over Zimbabwe placed his team on top spot of Group B with three points as Senegal strives to lift the first African trophy in their 16th appearance at the top flight ...