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5 African stars at the SWC

Cape Town - With only 14 days to go until the Soccer World Cup kicks off in Brazil, Sport24's Wade Pretorius, looks at the five African footballers who will be looking to make a big impression at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

Yaya Toure - Ivory Coast


Ivory Coast have the best possible chance of progressing in a relatively "easy" group featuring Colombia, Greece and Japan. However, the Elephants have the most to prove to their continental rivals after being dumped out in the Group stages in both previous World Cups. Yaya Toure is the star among stars in a very strong Ivory Coast squad. Toure, a true great of the modern game, will be hoping to display his vast talents on the global stage and in doing so progress late into the knock-out rounds of the competition.

Vincent Enyeama - Nigeria



The French based goalkeeper will have to be at the top of his game if the Super Eagles are to progress out of a tricky group which includes pre-tournament contenders Argentina. Enyeama has had a great season in France where he conceded only 26 goals in 38 games. Enyeama has the ideal chance to make a name for himself should he keep Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Edin Dzeko at bay during the group stages of the competition.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Ghana



The Black Stars had a tremendous performance in the 2010 Soccer World Cup where they controversially lost to Uruguay in the quarter-finals. At this year's showpiece, Ghana will rely on Juventus' midfield maestro Kwadwo Asamoah to perform at his best in order for the Black Stars to come out of a group including Germany and Portugal. Asamoah will be hoping to use him form in the Serie A going into a tough Soccer World Cup campaign. 

Stephane Mbia - Cameroon


On loan at Sevilla, Stephane Mbia had a stellar season in Europe this year. Mbia established himself in Spain after being sent on loan by QPR. Mbia netted in both legs of the Europa League semi-final against Valencia and Cameroon's Indomitable Lions will be hoping that Mbia scores a few more goals from midfield. Watch how Mbia and Cameroon perform against the like of hosts Brazil, Croatia and Mexico at the 2014 Soccer World Cup.

Madjid Bougherra - Algeria



The sleeping giants of African football, Algeria, will be relying on captain and centre-back Madjid Bougherra in order to overcome a tough group containing Belgium, Russia and Korea. Bougherra has several years of experience in the upper echelon of European football including a spell at Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers. Bougherra is known for making a nuisance of himself in both attacking and defensive boxes and the Desert Foxes will be hoping that he chips in with a few goals in order to secure Algeria's progression.

Follow Sport24 soccer producer Wade Pretorius on twitter: @wadepretorius 

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