Onana, Uzoho and the best goalkeepers AFCON 2023 has to offer

Which of these goalkeepers at AFCON 2023 will have the biggest impact for their team in Ivory Coast?

Throughout the years, the Africa Cup of Nations has been the home of great goalkeepers, from Cameroonian greats like Carlos Kameni and Jaques Songo’o to Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama and Egypt’s Essam El-Hadary.

The 2023 AFCON edition in Ivory Coast is no different and boasts some of the finest goalkeepers on the continent, so we have hand-picked the top five goalkeepers to keep an eye out for in Ivory Coast.

Francis Uzoho — Nigeria

Nigeria’s Francis Uzoho has come under intense scrutiny due to recent performances. Still, the Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper will have a chance to redeem himself in Ivory Coast as the Super Eagles vie for a first AFCON title in a decade.

Uzoho has won the race to be Nigeria’s number one ahead of other invitees Stanley Nwabili and Olorunleke Ojo and is one of the goalkeepers to watch out for in Ivory Coast during the AFCON 2023.

Yassine Bounou — Morocco

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Yassine Bounou took the world by storm, helping Morocco create history by becoming the first African country to reach the semifinals of the World Cup.

Since then, Bono, as he is more popularly known, has also helped Sevilla win the UEFA Europa League title in 2023.

The penalty shootout specialist, who turns out for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal after a lucrative move in the summer of 2023 will be hoping to reprise his World Cup form at AFCON with the Atlas Lions.

Edouard Mendy — Senegal

Another of Africa’s coveted goalkeepers who currently calls Saudi Arabia home, Senegal’s Edouard Mendy is one of the pillars of the Teranga Lions alongside captain Sadio Mane.

Mendy was instrumental as Senegal claimed AFCON glory in 2021 and will be crucial to their title defence in Ivory Coast.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper was named UEFA Champions League goalkeeper of the season in 2020/21 as well as FIFA the Best Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021 and Senegal will be banking on similar form from Mendy to take them to glory at AFCON 2023.

Andre Onana — Cameroon

Cameroon’s Andre Onana has come under some heavy criticism after a mixed start to life at Manchester United, but remains one of the best goalkeepers that the continent has to offer.

The former Ajax and Inter man was crucial to the Nerazzurri’s unlikely run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2022/23 and kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the competition.

Onana has had a troubled past with the Cameroonian national team after retiring from the Indomitable Lions’ team following his ejection from the 2022 World Cup, but has returned to the team hoping to lead them to their fifth AFCON title.

Mohamed El Shenawy — Egypt

Egypt and Al Ahly veteran Mohamed El Shenawy round off the list of top goalkeepers gracing AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper is Egypt’s first choice at the tournament and will bring his wealth of experience to the Pharaohs in their search for an eighth AFCON title.

With more than 400 senior appearances, El Shenawy is one of the more seasoned players at the tournament and will be vital to Egypt’s quest for glory in Ivory Coast.

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