SoccerClub highlights three African stars set to steal the show when the Afcon 2017 kicks off in Gabon on Saturday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)

The Gabon captain will carry the host nation’s hopes on his shoulders when he leads the Panthers in their seventh Afcon appearance.The 27-year-old striker has been in terrific form for Borussia Dortmund, scoring goals at will, but will need support from top players like Malick Evouna and Levy Madinda to produce similar performances for his national team.

Andre Ayew (Ghana)

The Ghana captain is an inspirational figure in a team desperate to win their first Nations Cup title since 1982, when his father, the legendary Abedi Pele, was a member of the team that lifted the title in Libya. They came close in 2010 and 2015 when they finished runners-up. The 27-year-old Ayew has the talent and gravitas to lead another Black Stars challenge.

Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon)

Cameroon are in real trouble at Afcon 2017 after several of their stars rejected the national team call. With the likes of Liverpool’s Joël Matipand Schalke’s Eric Choupo-Moting missing from the squad, Besiktas striker Vincent Aboubakar will be required to lead the Indomitable Lions into the knockout rounds.

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