As a celebration of the 2010 African Nations Cup, which is taking place in Angola at present, Goal.com’s Robin Bairner takes a look at the most impressive African players in Le Championnat during season 2009-10 to date...
10) Stephane Sessegnon (versatile offensive midfielder, Benin) – Former Le Mans player Stephane Sessegnon now plies his trade with Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes and has had his share of critics since moving to the capital club. Nevertheless, the effervescent Beninese has been a pivotal player for les Parisiens due to his speed, skill and directness. His consistency certainly could be improved, but he has been forced to spend much of this term on the left flank this season, which has not helped him. When Sessegnon plays well, PSG tend to win.

9) Asamoah Gyan (striker, Ghana) – Now in his second season in France, Gyan has started to assert himself firmly in Stade Rennais’ starting XI. His first campaign was plagued with injury problems but he has managed to give such worries a bodyswerve to date this term, something that has certainly increased his efficiency. His game is not yet perfect as he needs to improve his chances to goals ratio, but there have been signs the 24-year-old is making strides toward doing just that.

8) Yassin Mikari (left back/left midfield, Tunisia) – It has been something of an unusual season for Sochaux’s Yassin Mikari to date. Initially he was used as a left back by les Lionceaux and did well in that role, but coach Francis Gillot has since pushed him forward onto the left side of midfield or even the attack. A January signing last year, he has impressed with his offensive attributes and has established himself as a key player with the Doubs outfit.

7) Adama Coulibaly (centre-back, Mali) – Auxerre are known as one of the best defensive sides in Ligue 1, and Coulibaly’s performances have gone a long way to giving them that reputation. The Malian is rarely a spectacular performer, but errors are even more infrequent for the 29-year-old, who is a firm fixture in AJA’s first team. Something of an unsung hero for the Burgundy club.

6) Nicolas N’Koulou (centre-back/ holding midfielder, Cameroon) – One of Monaco’s bright young talents, Nicolas N’Koulou broke into the first XI around the same time as fellow young African Cedric Mongongu. Initially edged out of a central defensive berth alongside Mongongu as more experience was needed in the back four, he has found his calling in a holding midfield area, proving to be a hugely reliable player.

5) Youssouf Hadji (striker, Morocco) – Veteran Nancy forward Hadji has produced the goods on a consistent basis in Ligue 1 for several seasons. He had something of a low-key campaign by his high standards last time around but has bounced back in hugely impressive fashion this season. With seven goals, he is ASNL’s top scorer and one of the most prolific marksmen in the league. Moreover, he also provides his side with a valuable creative presence.

4) Marouane Chamakh (striker, Morocco) – Though French-born, Chamakh has chosen to represent Morocco at international level and has established himself as one of the top strikers in France at the age of 26. It is testament to his excellence that Arsenal, amongst others, have engaged in a tug-of-war with present employers Girondins de Bordeaux over the talented attacker, who can be superbly utilised as a lone forward due to his strength and ability to hold the ball up. With his contract up in the summer, and interest in him intense, it seems there are only a few months left for Chamakh in France. He perhaps should score more goals, especially with his feet.

3) Guy Ndy Assembe (goalkeeper, Cameroon) – One of the breakout players of the Ligue 1 season, custodian Ndy Assembe has been excellent since making a loan move to Valenciennes from Nantes in the summer. At 23 years old, he is still young for a goalkeeper, but has produced numerous strong performances this term, at times seeming impenetrable, particularly when Valenciennes were in their pomp in late autumn.

2) Mamadou Niang (striker, Senegal) – Marseille attacker Niang has been a huge force in Ligue 1 for several years, scoring at least 10 league goals in every campaign for the last five years. Now 30 years old, the former international star shows few signs of abating, turning in several vintage performances already this season. He decimated Milan in a Champions League encounter in Italy, nearly leading OM to a famous victory at the San Siro, and has been one of les Phoceens’ few Africans to shine this term. While Taye Taiwo and Bakari Kone have failed to establish themselves in Didier Deschamps’ side, Stephane Mbia has toiled with injuries, and Souleymane Diawara has been just a shade from his best – hence their non-inclusion in this list - Niang has only improved his standing at Stade Velodrome.

1) Gervinho (winger, Ivory Coast) – It says much for Gervais Yao Kouassi that he has been given the moniker ‘Gervinho’. His nickname sounds Brazilian, and judging by his form in the early part of this season for Lille, it seems he could match just about any of the South American country’s best. Wingers are a breed renowned for their inconsistency, but Gervinho has been stunning for the duration of this campaign, finding the net 11 times in Ligue 1. In addition, he has a couple of assists to his name, entertaining fans with his weaving runs and pleasing style. Barcelona have previously taken an interest in the Ivorian and may yet make a move for the flair-packed wideman should he continue on his present route.