The top African goal-scorers in club football participating in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) will leave a significant void in their respective clubs. Their stellar performances have propelled their clubs to impressive starts in the season.
The AFCON 2023, scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Côte d’Ivoire, promises to be an epic competition, but it also leaves a palpable gap in the rosters of foreign clubs, particularly in the offensive department. Six exceptional forwards, plying their trade in prestigious clubs, will heed the call of their respective nations, presenting a significant challenge for their club teams.
Outstanding African goal-scorers in clubs: A Heavy Loss
Among the standout African goal-scorers in clubs is Serhou Guirassy, the rising star of the German side Stuttgart. With an impressive tally of 19 goals and 2 assists across all competitions early in the season, Guirassy has been called up by Kaba Diawara to represent his country. His absence will undoubtedly be felt in Stuttgart’s attack led by Sebastian Hoeneß, potentially negatively impacting their league campaign.
Another African talent sorely missed by his club is Victor Boniface, recently arrived at Bayer Leverkusen from Union Saint-Gilloise. With 16 goals and 8 assists in 23 matches, Boniface has quickly established himself as one of the top scorers in the Bundesliga, ranking fourth. His vital contribution will be absent from the current Bundesliga leaders and their coach, Xabi Alonso.
The list of notable absentees also includes Victor Osimhen, the African Player of the Year. With 8 goals and 2 assists for the reigning Italian champions, Osimhen returns to the African Cup after missing the 2021 edition due to injury. His absence will create a challenging void for his club.
Mohamed Salah among the leading club goal-scorers
In the Bundesliga, another player leaving a significant gap is Omar Marmoush. In just his first season at Frankfurt, the Egyptian has already scored 7 goals and provided 3 assists. His impact on the field and contribution to his team’s results make him an irreplaceable player for Frankfurt.
In the Premier League, Liverpool’s undisputed master, Mohamed Salah, will also be missing. Apart from being the team’s top scorer, Salah is the linchpin of Jürgen Klopp’s squad. With 18 goals and 9 assists in 27 appearances this season, Salah’s absence will leave a massive void in the Reds’ offensive sector.
Finally, Iñaki Williams, the elder brother of Nico Williams, will represent Ghana in his first CAN. His absence in Athletic Bilbao’s attack, where he has scored 8 goals and provided 3 assists in 19 matches this season, will be challenging for the Spanish team to overcome.
Top goal-scorers heading to the CAN, a dilemma for clubs
Therefore, the CAN 2023 not only promises to deliver an exceptional sporting spectacle but also to test the depth of foreign club squads temporarily deprived of their African attacking gems. Coaches will have to face the challenge of replacing these invaluable talents and maintaining course in the absence of these key players.
This situation can sometimes strain relations between clubs and national teams. The case of Youssouf Sabaly is illustrative. The Senegalese defender has been absent from the field with his club since August 27, 2023, marked by a 4-2 defeat against Athletic Bilbao. His extended absence is attributed to two injuries, one sustained while on national team duty in September.
Although slated to be available from January, the 30-year-old, a former member of Bordeaux, was called up by Aliou Cissé to represent Senegal in the CAN 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire (from January 13 to February 11). This decision has caused tensions within Real Betis, as reported by the Spanish daily AS.
Nevertheless, his coach defends the Africa Cup. Manuel Pellegrini has taken a stance in favor of the premier African competition. In a recent interview with the Iberian press, the Real Betis coach stated, “I am a staunch supporter of national teams. Nations like to see their teams play. National teams or the local football of each country must have their space (competition time),” he declared.
Yet, the Real Betis coach will see three of his players, Youssouf Sabaly, Chadi Riad, and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Ez Abde), join the CAN 2023. A true testament to their class!
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