The African Nations Championship brings attention to many players based at African clubs who can progress from local stardom to being discovered for the progression of their careers. The 2022 edition in Algeria is no different with many talented young players impressing so far from national teams representing all of Africa’s regions. After the completion of the group stage earlier this week, Pan-Africa Football’s second of two columns highlight below some of the younger talents and one veteran star from Groups C, D and E who impressed in Algeria:
Click here to read part one of our feature on standout players at the CHAN.
Algeria forward El Arbi Hilal Soudani was 23-years-old when he scored three goals at the 2011 CHAN, earning a move from ASO Chlef to Portuguese club Vitória de Guimarães before spending ten years in European club football.
Koloina Razafindranaivo- Madagascar (CFFA)
DOB: 25/3/2000
Madagascar have played with ambition in their first ever CHAN appearance in Algeria with the Barea causing all sorts of chaos on their way to a perfect record in Group C and Razafindranaivo was magnificent. The 22-year-old won CAF’s Player of the Group Stage award with two goals and an assist, including a beautiful curling effort against Sudan. Possessing an excellent left foot and always comfortable when operating in traffic, Razafindranaivo is the headline star in a Barea team and Malagasy footballing scene that demands more attention.
Yoro Diaby- Mali (Yeelen Olympique)
DOB: 11/2/2001
Diaby is a player who stands out immediately because he has all the physical attributes of a prototypical central defender with positive signs of his growing technical ability. The 21-year-old struggled a bit in his opening match against Angola despite scoring an important goal but displayed his strength, aerial ability and skill with the ball at his feet more and more as he got comfortable in Algeria. Mali were eliminated at the group stage but Diaby made the most of his two matches and is sure to be on the radar of clubs abroad.
Déo Gracias Bassinga- Republic of Congo (Diables Noirs)
DOB: 11/8/2005
It was always going to be unlikely for Republic of Congo to advance out of the group stage with a very young team and off-the-pitch issues hurting the Diables Rouges’ preparations but Bassinga did all he could. The 17-year-old was often isolated up top and failed to score a goal but there were many encouraging signs of his potential. Bassinga has already become a key player at Congolese club Diables Noirs and showed confidence when in possession, creating opportunities despite being marked by multiple defenders. The CHAN is special for creating opportunities for players to gain exposure and Bassinga is a player who deserves more attention despite being on a weak team.
Augustine Agyapong- Ghana (Asante Kotoko)
DOB: 21/1/2004
Agyapong did not appear likely to see much action but after Ghana experienced struggles at the right back position in their opening match defeat to Madagascar, coach Annor Walker decided to give the Asante Kotoko player an opportunity and the 19-year-old took his chance with both hands. His goal against Madagascar had more than a hint of good fortune about it but Agyapong has plenty of confidence moving forward with speed and ability on the ball. A set piece specialist who can send in accurate crosses, Agyapong needs to improve his defense but is a rising star in the Ghana Premier League.
Bessam- Mauritania (FC Nouadhibou)
DOB: 4/12/1987
It is rare that a country’s all-time leading scorer takes part at the CHAN but Mauritania has its footballing icon with them at the 2022 edition in Algeria. Cheikh Ahmed “Bessam” has witnessed his country’s rise in African football and continues to be a key contributor with his experience and playmaking ability giving the Mourabitounes a much needed attacking boost. Bessam’s wizardry on the ball and creativity will be crucial if Mauritania wants to continue their unlikely run in Algeria with forward Hemeja Tanjy failing to live up to expectations so far. While this column aims to focus on younger players attempting to make moves abroad we had to acknowledge the contribution of a veteran and national team legend like the FC Nouadhibou player.
