The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Egypt today and snl24.com/kickoff looks at players who could light up the competition.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Africa's best player will be looking to lead his country to glory on home soil, not long after inspiring his club Liverpool to UEFA Champions League success in Madrid. Salah was Egypt's top scorer in the qualifiers, banging in four goals
Percy Tau (South Africa)
South Africa's star man will have the world's eyes on him in Egypt, a big chance for him to impress. Tau's two goals against Libya in March confirmed Bafana Bafana's spot in the competition and head coach Stuart Baxter will have his fingers crossed that the former Mamelodi Sundowns forward is in the form of his life, to help the team reach the knockout stages.
Knowledge Musona (Zimbabwe)
The former Kaizer Chiefs is probably motivated to impress and get his confidence back after a disappointing season with Anderlecht in Belgium. The Zimbabwean captain scored five goals in the qualifiers, showing how important he is for the Warriors.
Henry Onyekuru (Nigeria)
The 22-year-old is seen as the future of Nigeria football, and if his form at club level with Turkish side Galatasary is anything to go by, then the Super Eagles have a star they can bank on. He bagged 16 goals for his club last season and chipped in with six assists. It will be an opportunity to attract even bigger European clubs.
Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast)
Ivory Coast have had to rebuild their squad since the golden generation with the likes of Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure and Didier Drogba retired and the 22-year-old is one of the players the West Africans will be relying on to lead the team to glory. The AC Milan midfielder makes the team play and can chip in with valuable goals.