sport news Africa Cup of Nations 2021: Cameroon gears up for start of major tournament at ...

sport news Africa Cup of Nations 2021: Cameroon gears up for start of major tournament at ...
sport news Africa Cup of Nations 2021: Cameroon gears up for start of major tournament at ...
The stage is set for the Africa Cup of Nations to silence its cynics as this year's showpiece finally prepares to get underway... after Covid delays, security concerns and Premier League moans, football now has the chance to provide Cameroon with a lift The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is finally due to begin in Cameroon on Sunday Africa's major tournament has twice been moved because of Covid-19 issues A number of Premier League bosses weren't happy releasing players mid-season But the likes of Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez are finally set to battle it out Mahrez's Algeria and Senegal are the joint-favourites to win the tournament

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After two false starts and attempts from its detractors to seemingly instigate a third, the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations is finally here. With it comes opportunity.

For Cameroon to have their moment in the spotlight as host nation for the first time since 1972, welcoming and showcasing Africa's finest talents.

And for this football-loving country to prove that they can safely stage a major tournament that has twice been moved due to Covid.

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is finally due to get underway in Cameroon this Sunday

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is finally due to get underway in Cameroon this Sunday

Some of the biggest stars in world football, including Mohamed Salah (left), will be taking part

Some of the biggest stars in world football, including Mohamed Salah (left), will be taking part

FIVE STARS TO WATCH AT AFCON 2021

Sebastien Haller (Ivory Coast)

Today's Sebastien Haller is very different to the striker West Ham sold for a huge loss just 18 months after signing him for £45million. Revived since moving to Ajax and likely to be in the running for the Golden Boot.

Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)

Talented Manchester United midfielder who interim manager Ralf Rangnick has his eye on. International duty has limited the time Mejbri, 18, has had with Rangnick so Afcon represents a chance to impress his new boss.

Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)

A young midfielder Tottenham fans will want to keep an eye on. Sarr (above) will link up with Antonio Conte's squad this summer after joining Spurs for £14.5m last year before being loaned back to Metz.

Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria)

The tournament build-up has seen Nigeria's attacking threat weakened by dropouts but Villarreal star Chukwueze remains. The 22-year-old right winger will be one of the Super Eagles' main danger-men.

Steven Caulker (Sierra Leone)

Former spurs defender Caulker (right) has rebuilt his career in Turkey. Now starting an international adventure after switching from England, who he played for once, to Sierra Leone.

 

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There is disgruntlement, even anger, in Africa about the tone of some of the pre-tournament moans in Europe and particularly from some in the Premier League about releasing players. 'Why the hypocrisy towards Africa?' said one Confederation of

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