The AFCON 2019 is set to start in a few weeks in Egypt and as part of our build up coverage, we will be looking at some of the potential contenders for the Golden Boot. We shall discuss a few of these players and their chances of winning the trophy at their end of the competition. Bet on AFCON here.
Mohamed Salah
Odds – 5.50
Mohamed Salah is the favourite for the Golden Boot primarily because Egypt will be the host nation and most importantly because he has cut himself a niche as a prolific forward. He won the Golden Boot for the second consecutive season in the Premier League despite performing slightly below his best in the opinion of many football lovers. The 26-year-old scored a total of 33 goals in all competitions in the just concluded season and he will want to replicate this in his home country where he will have the full support of his fellow countrymen.
Sadio Mane
Odds – 8.25
Sadio Mane won the Premier League Golden Boot alongside his teammate Mo Salah as they were both tied on 22 goals in the 2018/19 season, alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He will have an opportunity to have a go at it again when the AFCON kicks off. This is probably Mane’s most successful season as a player as he was able to surpass the 20 goal mark after recording 27 goals across all competitions. He is part of a very dynamic Senegal squad that have been touted as one of the favourites to win the tournament and he certainly has what it takes to come out on top here.
Baghdad Bounedjah
The Algerian national side have a wealth of talented forwards, but Baghdad Bounedjah has established himself as a mainstay in the side. He might play in what many would consider as a lower league but he has done enough be included in this list. He scored a ridiculous 60 goals in 2018 turning out for Al Sadd in Qatar and will have support from the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Adam Ounas, Sofiane Feghouli and Yacine Brahimi who will provide him with better service. Though little is known about him, you can expect him to try and fight to help his country win the tournament.
Odion Ighalo
Odds – 12.50
Odion Ighalo ended the qualifying campaign as the top scorer across the whole of Africa. The Beijing Guoan striker might have struggled in the past but he seems to be back on his feet and ready to fire Nigeria into winning the AFCON. He will be expected to lead the line for the Super Eagles especially now that Kelechi Iheanacho has not been at his best form lately. He has a total of 14 goals this season seven of which were scored with the national team and he will come to this tournament very high in confidence.
Cedric Bakambu
Odds – 20.00
The Democratic Republic of Congo will be looking at Cedric Bakambu to provide leadership in attack, something he has done so effectively in the past. He was the hero on the final day of AFCON qualification, netting the winner to down Liberia and send the Leopards to Egypt. Bakambu has already scored seven goals for club in the new season to help his club top the Chinese Super League table. He is one of the interesting prospects to look out for in the AFCON Golden Boot race.