Africa Cup of Nations 2013: Players Who Must Step Up in Next Round of Group Play

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: January 23, 2013

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After the first leg of group play has come to a close, we have a better idea of which teams are looking good and which squads need to start tweaking things at the Africa Cup of Nations.

And even more importantly, we know about a few key players who need to pick up their play, and pick it up in a hurry.

From one of the most famous strikers in the world to the unquestioned key to his country's success, these three players are carrying a lot of hopes and dreams on their backs. In the first leg of play, they didn't inspire much confidence.

 

Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast



If you happen to see Didier Drogba wandering around South Africa, could you remind him he was supposed to play in a soccer match on Tuesday? Sure, he showed up, but he looked like a man who was far, far away from the pitch he was jogging on.

Drogba was invisible in Ivory Coast's 2-1 win over Togo, and were it not for a Gervinho goal in the 88th minute, the favored Elephants might have shockingly ended the match in a draw.

I know Drogba has lost a step and isn't going to simply dominate play any longer. Still, there isn't a more decorated player in this tournament, and if Drogba isn't a factor Ivory Coast will fall short of its aspirations to win the AFCON.

 

Ikechukwu Uche, Nigeria



Uche came on as a substitute in Monday's 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso, and he blew two very good opportunities. Piers Edwards of BBC Sport outlined two major chances botched by Uche:

Uche was the most guilty party, controlling a low cross from the lively Ahmed Musa with a fine first touch only to blaze wide midway through the second half.

The substitute again showed a lack of composure nine minutes from time as he collected a [John Obi] Mikel pass before cutting onto his right foot and slashing wildly off target once again.

Nigeria has so much talen...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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