Out of Africa

Pele once predicted that the first world cup winners of the 21st century would come from Africa. He was wrong, but African footballers play ...

Pele once predicted that the first world cup winners of the 21st century would come from Africa. He was wrong, but African footballers play a major role in top European clubs, especially in the Premiership. And, though the African Nations Cup, currently on in Tunisia, is less glamorous than the Champions League, it boasts some of the most gifted footballers of today. Here’s XI of the best…

GOALKEEPER: Paulin Tokala (DR Congo/Benfica): In his fourth Nations Cup, Tokala (26) is the only first-choice African goalkeeper in Europe

DEFENDERS

Hatem Trabelsi (Tunisia/Ajax Amsterdam): Began his career as a right-footed forward before settling into defending. Emerging talent, the 25-year-old has been wooed by, among others, Man United

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Jamal Alioui (Morocco/Perugia): Became Italian Serie A club’s second African sigining after Al Saadi Gaddafi, son of the Libyan leader. Came in from Lyon and, now 21, is top player in this position for Morocco

MIDFIELDERS

Aliou Cisse (Senegal/Birmingham): A powerful medio, his show at WC 2002 prompted Birmingham boss Steve Bruce to sign him on for four years. Has a discipline problem but has a tough, battling reputation

Eric Djemba Djemba (Cameroon/Man United): Went to Old Trafford from Nantes as the long-term replacement for Roy Keane. Two major strengths are physique and speed, and a battling will

Joseph Yobo (Nigeria/Everton): Utility man, played in three different positions in the WC and assisted in the only goal Nigeria scored

FORWARDS

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El Hadji Diouf (Senegal/Liverpool): The most promising player going into the world cup, was overshadowed by his teammates and has struggled since to recapture that form. Still only 24, is the current African Footballer of the Year and can be dazzlingly dangerous

Augustine (Jay Jay) Okocha (Nigeria/Bolton): Has had a colourful career in the leagues of Europe, now lighting up the Premiership. Can be erratic, best known for audacious goals — ask Arsenal all about it

Frederic Kanoute (Mali/Tottenham): Set off a controversy — and annoyed his club — when he switched allegiance from France to Mali to play in the tournament but his goals in Tunisia should redeem him

Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon/Real Mallorca): Probably the most exciting talent, he’s tipped for a move to Chelsea. Known as much for his class as for his eccentricity: hit headlines in Spain when he refused to swap tracksuit for shorts during training

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Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria/Arsenal): Overshadowed at Highbury by Henry and Wiltord, Kanu’s faded away from the force he was a couple of seasons ago. Ask Chelsea fans what happened down at the Bridge…