The Africa Cup of Nations has surely lived up to expectations with surprises, fantasy and heartbreaks. Reigning champions Algeria exited without victory alongside fellow heavyweight, Ghana, which was unexpected even by online casinos.
But for debutants, Comoros and Gambia, it has been an unforgettable ride. Joined on the train by Equatorial Guinea and Malawi, they are punching above their weights.
It has been a tournament of surprises in terms of individual performances too. While the so-called superstars Mohammed Salah, Riyad Mahrez and Sadio Mane have failed to light up Cameroon, new stars are emerging. That said, here are five players Chelsea should consider signing based on their group stage performances.
1 – Ibrahima Kone (Sarpsborg 08, Mali)
Kone is the first player to score three goals for Mali in a single Africa Cup of Nations since Seydou Keita in 2013, with all three from the penalty spot, becoming the first player to net three penalties in a single Afcon edition since Ghana’s Mubarak Wubaso in 2013 (3).
The forward who plays his club football in Sweden is having an incredible season. For his club, he struck 11 times in 26 matches and have an impressive return of 11 goals in nine appearances for the Eagles.
2 – Jim Allevinah (Clermont, Gabon)
In the absence of influential skipper, Pierre-Emerick, Allevinah has shouldered Gabon’s attacking burden with aplomb. Although not your prolific poacher, the attacking midfielder somehow finds a way to crack the opposition.
He did this last season at his French club with 16 goals. Although the ongoing campaign hasn’t quite gone as planned for him, the 26-year-old possess the quality to play at the top level.
3 – Abdoulie Jallow (Seraing, Gambia)
The Gambia have been impressive in Cameroon with two victories and a draw to finish second in Group F. They scored three goals and conceded just once.
Jallow notched two of those goals against Mauritania and Tunisia, single-handedly giving his nation six points. Fast, skillful and brilliant, the 23-year-old, on loan in Belgium from Metz, will trouble any side.
4 – Frank Mhango (Orlando Pirates, Malawi)
Mhango is the fuel behind the Flames. Despite playing just twice, the 29-year-old grabbed a double for Malawi as they reached the round of 16. The experienced striker boasts a rich resume.
He has reached double figures for the national team as well as every club side he represented. At Pirates, he’s found the 21 times in just a little over 50 games.
5 – Moses Simon (Nantes, Nigeria)
Simon, who play games on crazyvegas online casino, is the wildcard in the Super Eagles team. Blessed with electric pace, beautiful dribbling ability and an eye for goal, the Nigerian has been the most exciting attacker in Cameroon.
Moses was torn in the flesh of the Egyptians, buried the Sudanese and came on to hand a final blow to Guinea Bissau. He could be on his way out of Nantes should he maintain this form.
