CHAN 2016: Who’s African Football’s Next Undercover Gem

GarberSports presents a list of 11 exciting players to keep an eye on during this year’s edition of the Championship of African Nations (CHAN)

 

One of the upside of the Championship of African Nations is that it unearths new talents, and allows some of Africa’s less-heralded stars to shine and demonstrate what they can do on a continental context. In this feature, we present the top players we encourage to watch at Chan 2016. Chan 2016 promises to be no different as exciting prospects from across Africa look to showcase their talents, and take the opportunity to boost their global profile in a rare potentially opportunity with their national teams.

11. Christopher Katongo

Current captain of the Chipolopolo squad, Christopher Katongo made a return back to club football in Zambia and he hopes to rediscover the form that saw him win player of the tournament at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. Having had a tumultuous time with the national squad, the former skipper was left out of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations squad, and the one-time BBC African Player of the Year certainly has a point to prove.

10. Jacques Tuyisenge 

The 24-year-old striker is a crowd favourite for Police Kibungo in Rwanda, and is sure to put on a goal-scoring show for the home crowd. With his pace and trickery, fans are itching in anticipation to see him link up with the rest of the squad. His goals might see him push Rwanda towards glory on home soil.

9. Fakhreddine Ben Youssef

Having established himself in the Tunisia squad during the 2013 Cup of Nations, Ben Youssef earned himself a move to Metz in France. However, a poor spell at the French club has led to a return back home to local giants Esperance. His experience is sure to set him apart and make him a key player for the Carthiage Eagles.

Could Ben Youssef fire the Carthage Eagles to glory?

8. Nelson Manganga

Another promising midfielder to watch out for is Nelson Manganga. Capable of maintaining possession and getting his teammates involved, Manganga has the hallmarks of a great controller in the heart of the park. His positioning makes him a standout performer and a great anchor for DR Congo, while his performances helped AS Vita reach the final of the Caf Champions League in 2014. If he can demonstrate that form for his country then he will be difficult to stop.

7. Hermann Atcha Djobo

With a lot of pressure on coach Michel Dussuyer to field an exciting Ivory Coast side, one player to look at is the electrifying right-winger Atcha Djobo. A fan favourite of AS Tanda, his pace and dribbling is sure to excite the crowds and inspire the Ivorians in their pursuit of the cup.

6. Frank Kalanda

The Ugandan striker is definitely one of the most exciting faces to look out for at the tournament. A successful spell with Free State Stars in South Africa came to an abrupt end, but having regained his form with The Uganda Revenue Authority, Kalanda is heading to Rwanda with a mission to fire his side into the final.

Don’t miss out on Kalanda, who we’re tipping to deliver a star turn in Rwanda…

5. Conlyde Luchanga

Perhaps typical of many players at the current Chan, Conlyde has had his very own rags-to-riches story, and he is sure to make an impact leading the line for Zambia. The 17-year-old striker impressed at the U23 Afcon in Senegal and has been tipped to emulate the successes of Emmanuel Adebayor.

Using his height, power and silky dribbling skills the 17-year-old earned himself a move from Lusaka Dynamos to Power Dynamos. This is sure to be his break-out campaign for the national squad.

4. Luis Misquissone

The 20-year-old midfielder plays for HCB Songo in Mozambique, after a spell with Jomo Cosmos in South Africa. Having scored two goals in the Chan qualifiers, he is sure to be an important player for Mozambique. Blessed with composure on the ball and an eye for goal, Luis could be difference-maker for the Lusophone outfit.

Papel | Offering creativity and an end product

3. Chisom “Elvis” Chikatara

Chisom is a name that is relatively unknown to most at the moment, but after CHAN 2016, it is certain many across Africa will know of the young Nigerian. Regarded as a quick, diminutive, and agile right-footed striker with outstanding pace, Chikatara finished second in scoring this past season in the Glo Nigerian Premier League and currently has 5 goals in 5 games with the Nigerian national team. It doesn’t seem like the goals are drying up either. After a hattrick in Nigeria’s opening game  it is no surprise clubs like Zamalek SC, Metz FC, Wydad Casablanca and FC Sion are couting the signature of the Abia Warriors striker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Farouk Miya

Another Cranes striker, the Ugandan had an extremely successful season with club and country. Having scored a brace against Togo in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, he is on course to bring his fine form into the tournament. He led the national team to the 2015 DSTV Cecafa Cup, and Miya’s partnership with Kalanda could make Uganda dark horses for the competition. Farouk Miya turns up for the reigning Uganda Super League champions Vipers FC-the 18-year-forward had a tremendous year at both club and national team levels. He helped the Kobs when they dismantled their Rwandan counterparts during the 2015 U23 AFCON qualifiers, scored a brace against Togo in the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup qualifiers and led the Cranes to the 2015 CECAFA Cup title, scoring 3 goals on the way

1. Ary Papel

The Angolan midfielder tops this list as the most creative force having registered 12 goals in the Girabola league and two during the qualifiers. The 22-year-old has been in superb form for club and country and is gearing up to set the stage alight in Rwanda. Capable of playing in central midfield or in a more attacking role, Papel is sure to keep fans on the edges of their seats.