UEFA today conducted the Champions League quarter finals draw, giving football fans across the world a major reason to anticipate the ties that will be played on April 5/6 and 12/13.
Defending champions Barcelona are pitted against fellow Spanish team Atletico Madrid in what promises to offer a mouth-watering clash.
Having beaten last season’s runners up, German side Bayern Munich were rewarded with a relatively easy fixture against Benfica.
2014 winners Real Madrid will face VfL Wolfsburg while Manchester City battle it out with Paris Saint-Germain.
As fans all around the globe anticipate these matches, here’s a look at some of the African stars who are likely to grace the games;
- Yaya Toure
The Manchester City midfield power-house will most certainly be involved in the games against Paris Saint-Germain. Toure has widely received praise for being a consistent part of the Citizens’ midfield during the clubs ascendancy, helping the club lift the Barclay’s Premier League trophy twice in four years.
The Ivorian has one goal so far in the tournament.
- Wilfried Bony
Another Cote d’Ivoire and Mancherter City player. Boni has found favour in the eyes of his manager Manuel Pallegrini, who has on many occasions this season opted to partner him alongside Sergio Aguero in Manchester City’s attack.
Boni already has two goals in the tournament and will be looking to add to that tally should he get a place in the Citizens’ line-up against Paris Sait-Germain.
- Kelechi Iheanacho
Many see him as the next big thing in football, and it’s hard arguing against that perception considering his performances this season. The 19-year-old’s name was added onto Manchester City’s Champions League squad in December, replacing French midfielder Samir Nasri.
He has been sensational in front of goal for the Citizens whenever he has played, and may continue that form if given the chance against the Parisians.
- Serge Aurier
Paris Saint-Germain defender Serge Aurier completes the Ivorian contingent expected to take part in the quarter final matches of the Champions League. Aurier has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the world with eye-catching performances in both Ligue 1 and the UCL. When PSG comes up against Manchester City in the upcoming matches, there will be no room for friendship even to his national team mates Yaya Toure and Wilfried Boni.
Ivory Coast is sure to have a representative in the Semi-finals.
- Adel Taarabt
Adel Taarabt’s quality is not disputable. Should he feature for Benfica against Bayern Munich, he will come up against fellow Moroccan Medhi Benatia.
Taarabt is an experienced player who has graced most of the tops leagues across Europe.
- Mehdi Carcela
Carcela has already played three times for Benfica in this seasons Champions League, and will be looking to impress should he get a chance to feature against Bayern Munich in the upcoming quarter final games. The midfielder has had eye-catching performances this season and will be hoping to continue impressing against the German giants.
- Medhi Benatia
Benatia needs no introduction.
His constant presence at the back-line of Bayern Munich when fit has made him a household name in the football world.
The Moroccan has impressed since his move to Munich and seems to be headed for even greater times ahead.
All in all, our focus will definitely be on the Africans that will come up against the Ibrahimovics and the Agueros.
The ties will be played on April 5/6 and 12/13.
