With so many top talents on show over the coming weeks, we at Sportslens have picked out five of the most high-profile goalkeepers to keep an eye on at AFCON 2023.
Goalkeepers To Watch At The Africa Cup Of Nations 2023
Yassine Bounou – Morocco, Al-Hilal SFC
Bounou won two Europa League titles with Sevilla, before gaining global attention at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as the first African keeper to keep three clean sheets in the tournament’s history.
He saved two penalties as Morocco beat Spain in the round of sixteen, and has attracted attention from some of Europe’s big clubs.
Now at Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, he was linked with a move to Tottenham in the Premier League in the summer, as well as Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich.
He is without a doubt one of the top keepers at AFCON 2023, and one to watch for sure.
Andre Onana – Cameroon, Manchester United
It’s been a rollercoaster year for Manchester United and Cameroon keeper Onana. After helping Serie A side Inter Milan to the UEFA Champions League final, he has struggled at Old Trafford.
With 47 goals conceded in 30 games, he’s been blamed for a large number of individual errors. But after delaying his travel to AFCON in order to help out his club, few can doubt Onana’s determination to put things right.
His involvement at AFCON could reignite his season. The 27-year-old flew out to Ivory Coast just 24 hours after United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Ronwen Hayden Williams – South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns
South African keeper Williams has been a stalwart for Bafana Bafana since 2021. The 31-year-old has made 34 appearances under manager Hugo Broos.
With nine clean sheets from eleven games in the DStv Premiership, he’s shown his quality at club level already this season.
The Memelodi Sundowns shot-stopper has conceded just twice in the league, a superb record. Not just a keeper, his leadership and defensive organisation are critical for South Africa this tournament.
If Williams brings his best to AFCON 2023, he will be one of the top goalkeepers on show.
Édouard Mendy – Senegal, Al-Ahli
Since leaving Chelsea for £16 million in the summer, Mendy has impressed at Al-Ahli. The Senegalese keeper has 11 clean sheets in 19 games, and appears back to his best.
And he’s already proved his worth for Senegal in AFCON tournaments. In the 2021 final, he saved the decisive penalty that allowed Sadio Mane to score the winning kick.
Having helped Senegal win their maiden AFCON title, he was recognised as the best keeper at the 2021 competition.
And he will hope to be on form for the holders as they look to defend their crown.
Mohamed El Shenawy – Egypt, Al Ahly Cairo
Last of our five goalkeepers to watch at AFCON 2023 is Egypt’s Mohamed El Shenawy. He debuted in 2018 for the national team in 2018, amassing 50 caps since then.
The 35-year-old is a veteran who has won three CAF Champions League’s with his Cairo club. He has eight clean sheets this season and played in every match at the Club World Cup for Al Ahly.
And having been part of Egypt’s losing finalists last time out, he will be even more determined to go one better this time around.
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