The Africa Cup of Nations is set to kick off in Ivory Coast on January 13, and the very best talents from all around the continent will converge for a festival of football. While the focus is often on the biggest attacking stars, the usual suspects like Victor Osimhen, Mohamed Salah, Riyad Mahrez, and others, we cannot forget the popular saying “defence wins you titles.” With that in mind, here are five outstanding defenders ready to play a major role in Ivory Coast over the next month. **1. Achraf Hakimi –- Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain** Morocco come into AFCON with a point to prove, having reached the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in 2022. The nation is eager to capitalize on the momentum and bring home a trophy. Their main man will be 25-year-old defender Achraf Hakimi. The PSG man is a source of inspiration for his team and will be relied upon to provide beautiful deliveries and endless energy up and down the right-wing to propel the Atlas Lions to glory in Ivory Coast. Hakimi has contributed three goals and four assists in his 14 Ligue 1 appearances this season, while maintaining an impressive 87.5% pass accuracy. He will be a real creative weapon for Morocco, judging by his 3.84 shot-creating actions per 90. While his offensive contributions shine, he has also recorded 18 tackles and 10 interceptions, balancing his defensive responsibilities with his offensive contributions. Hakimi is poised to play a key role in Morocco's quest for success. BetKing, Nigeria’s #1 online sports betting site, has the best odds for Morocco to shine in Cote d’Ivoire
**2. Edmond Tapsoba – Burkina Faso, Bayer Leverkusen** Tapsoba has been a rock at the back for Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen this season. He has started 13 of 16 league games and has been a major reason why the table-toppers have the best defence in the division with just 12 goals conceded. The 24-year-old will be as imposing as ever, marshalling the backline expertly, and his aerial prowess will be highly essential in a competition where physicality can be a huge asset. Standing at 6ft 4, Tapsoba has won 51.2% of his aerial duels this season and is equally adept across the ground, making 108 recoveries in his 13 appearances. Burkina Faso are grouped alongside Mauritania, Angola, and Algeria, and Tapsoba’s performances at the back will be crucial for The Stallions. Our bet of the day is for Burkina Faso to finish top of their AFCON group
**3. Nayef Aguerd – Morocco, West Ham** After becoming the first African team to ever reach the semi-final of a World Cup at last year’s tournament in Qatar, all eyes will be on the Atlas Lions to take it a step further. Their defence has been a big part of their recent successes with just 5 goals conceded in their last 12 games, and Aguerd has been a big part of that. The elegant West Ham defender will be hugely important for a Morocco side with a big reputation to live up to. He is also a key component of David Moyes’s West Ham backline, his partnership with Zouma forming the bedrock of the Hammers’ triumphant UEFA Conference League campaign last season. Aguerd is truly a complete defender, capable of winning aerial duels at a high rate [(59.7%)](https://fbref.com/en/squads/7c21e445/West-Ham-United-Stats) , making crucial recoveries (80) due to his speed across the ground, and bringing the ball out from the back expertly (625 carries – second most in the West Ham squad). The 25-year-old will partner Roman Saiss at the back, and with the likes of Hakimi and Ziyech pulling the strings further forward, the Atlas Lions will certainly fancy their chances in Cote d’Ivoire. Take advantage of our professional betting tips by backing Morocco to go unbeaten in the group stage.
**4. Calvin Bassey – Nigeria, Fulham** Next on our list is Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey. The left-footed centre-back has been a vital part of Fulham’s impressive performances this season, starting 15 of the club’s 20 league games. He has blossomed since making his Super Eagles debut in 2021, churning out solid performances for club and country, and must now be regarded as the country’s most consistent defender. Capable of playing as a central defender or as a full-back, the ex-Rangers man has made 17 blocks and won 12 tackles in his 15 games this season. He is also adept at bringing the ball forward from defence, as evidenced by [his 519 progressive](https://fbref.com/en/squads/fd962109/Fulham-Stats#all_stats_defense) carries in the PL (2nd most in Fulham squad) As the Super Eagles seek to conquer Africa, Bassey will surely be a major part of whatever success Jose Peseiro’s men achieve in Cote d’Ivoire. Our bet prediction for the Super Eagles at AFCON is a run to the final
**5. Chancel Mbemba – Congo, Marseille** Two-time AFCON winners Congo are back in the tournament after missing out on qualification in 2021. For them to stand any chance of success, Chancel Mbemba must be at his absolute best, and he has shown his remarkable quality this season. The veteran defender has been a rock for Ligue 1 side Marseille, and has refined his game, adding an ability to play out of the back, which could be crucial when games get tighter. What’s more, Mbemba was named the French League’s African Player of the Season last year and has started this year in excellent form, scoring 5 goals in his 26 appearances across all competitions. He boasts an impressive pass accuracy of 87.8% in Ligue 1, along with 19 tackles and 11 interceptions in just 16 Ligue 1 appearances so far. Notably, his tackle success rate of 71% shows that he come out on top more often than not, and he will need to continue that form in Cote d’Ivoire. Enjoy BetKing’s high odds by backing Congo to qualify for the knockout stage.
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