Aubameyang tops Afcon expectations

Aubameyang tops Afcon expectationsZimbabwean duo expected to shine Football fans believe the pressure will be on star players to shine at the 31st edition of the African Cup of Nations. Local football followers expect Gabon and Borussia Dortmund attacking player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to set the 2017 African of Nations Cup alight.

The 27-year old former African Player of the Year has been firing on all cylinders for his country after having scored a total of 22 goals out of 52 matches for the national team.

The Gabonese has been tipped as favourite even with a horde of star-studded players lined up in the competition.

Senegal's Sadio Mane and current African player of the year Riyad Mahrez have been overlooked in the presence of Aubameyang.

Former Ramblers FC coach Jerry Zimmer believes it is almost inevitable that the Dortmund player will shine regardless of the other stars present.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, Zimmer said: “Aubameyang has developed into a lethal player with so much potential.

“I have watched him play for Dortmund and I would say he has impressed me with his skills and the way he takes on defenders.

“There is no doubt in my mind that he will outshine the rest of the stars in the competition if he is up for the challenge.”

He warned fans not to write off Zimbabwe's goal poacher Tendai Ndoro, who has been a formidable force for his club (Orlando Pirates) and country.

The striker has already scored 11 goals for his club in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL), while his goal on Tuesday in a friendly against Cameroon earned his country a draw.

Zimmer added that Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Khama Billiat would play a vital part if Zimbabwe was to achieve anything remarkable at the competition.

Citizens FC coach Christy Guruseb has his money on Aubameyang, who he believes carries the hopes of the nation.

“I know there are so many players out there to watch, but I am almost certain that the Dortmund player will outshine the rest at this tournament.

“He is one of the greatest players to come out of that country given the technical abilities he possesses on the field,” Guruseb said.

Former Civics goalkeeper Edward Maova could only partly agree, stating that the pressure and expectations could deter Aubameyang.

Maova said players facing such pressure to perform at that level often tended to disappoint.

“Well, I know and think that Aubameyang will be a player to watch at the competition.

“However, let us not write off the two Southern African players Tendai Ndoro and Khama Billiat.

“They have been doing well for their clubs and country and therefore would be a force in the tournament,” Maova said.

The 31st edition of the African Cup of Nations will see 16 teams challenging each other for Africa's greatest football trophy.

Gabon will open the competition on Saturday with a game against Guinea-Bissau, while 2015 champions Ivory Coast begin their assignment against Togo.

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA