Eye candy set to take centre stage at Afcon

The beautiful game’s beautiful players set to wow at cup

WITH the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) kicking off today, the eyes of football fans and talent scouts will be fixed firmly on the continent.

But other than offering a feast of football skill on the field, there’ll also be plenty of eye candy for those less keen on the specifics.

Weekend Argus has compiled a list of players most likely to make their fans weak at the knees when the tournament gets under way today in Equatorial Guinea.

Representing South Africa will be captain Dean Furman, 26, and midfielder Andile Jali.

Af f e c t i o nat e l y known as Mlungu to his hordes of supporters, Furman, who plays for Doncaster Rovers, is admired mostly for his welcoming warm persona and his boy-nextdoor looks.

Short in stature, Jali, 24, is known for his aggression on the the ball and his fearless attacks on his opponents.

It’s his never-say-die attitude, arrogance and love for his Xhosa language that often leaves many women screaming his name.

Ghana, meanwhile, are well known for fielding hunky players. The Black Stars, as they are known to diehard supporters, is home to Andre Ayew, 25.

While he might be famous for being the son of the legendary three-time winner of the African Footballer of the Year award and Fifa member Abedi Pele, he’s equally popular for his smouldering eyes and striking features.

Then there’s Mali player Seydou Keita, known as much for his gentlemanly conduct on the field as for his towering height.

The 34-year-old captains the Mali team and is a versatile midfielder for Italian club AS Roma.

Described as a hunky ebony stud by English

female football sup- porters, Ivory Coast player Salomon Kalou, 29, also makes the list, thanks to his perfect abs.

Fellow Ivorian Yaya Toure is widely considered among the finest African players in the world – both for his ball skills and dashing looks – and is also the reigning African Player of the Year.

Also gifted in the looks department is Cape Verde striker Ryan Mendes.

The 25-year-old gets tongues wagging thanks to his rugged features, along with his curly, bouncy hair.

THE CHARMERS BACK, LEFT TO RIGHT: Andile Jali, Yaya Toure, Seydou Keita and Dean Furman. FRONT: Andre Ayew and Salomon Kalou.