Durban - With the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) kicking off on Saturday the eyes of football fans and talent scouts will be fixed firmly on the continent.
Women will suddenly take a liking to the predominantly male-supported sport for a different reason – they will be checking out the sexy players.
While many women can't differentiate between a free-kick and a penalty, they all seem to have one common goal when it comes to football tournaments – to catch a glimpse of the hot stars.
The Independent on Saturday compiled a list of players who will make women weak at the knees when the tournament, which will be hosted by Equatorial Guinea, gets under way.
Representing South Africa will be captain Dean Furman, 26, and midfielder Andile Jali, 24.
Affectively known as Mlungu to his hordes of supporters, Furman, who plays for Doncaster Rovers, is admired mostly for his welcoming warm persona and his boyish next door look .
Short in stature, Jali is known for his aggressiveness on the ball and his fearless behaviour towards opponents. It’s his never-say-die attitude, arrogance and love for his Xhosa language that leaves many screaming his name.
Ghana is not only known for their entertaining carpet football, but also for their sea of hunky players.
With his toned six-pack and rugged look, Kevin Prince Boateng, 27, is renowned for his foot speed, strength and juggling tricks.
The German-born player had pop sensation Rihanna hot and bothered during the World Cup in Brazil last year, when she tweeted that she might have to support Ghana because of Boateng.
His brother, Jérôme Boateng, 26, plays for the German national team and is vice-captain at FC Schalke 04.
The indomitable Lions, as Ghana is known to their die-hard supporters, is also home to André 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 a Fifa member Abedi Pele, most women will notice Ayew by his smouldering eyes and striking features.
Besides his gentleman conduct on the field, it’s his towering height that Seydou Keita is known for. The 34-year-old captains the Mali team and is a versatile midfielder for Italian club A S Roma.
Described as a hunky ebony stud by English female football supporters, Ivory Coast player Salomon Kalou, 29, also makes the list, thanks to his perfect abs.
Fellow Ivorian Yaya Touré, 31, who is widely considered among the finest African players in the world – both for his ball skills and dashing looks, 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 will leave girls enthralled with his rugged features, including his curly bouncy hair.
Independent on Saturday