All eyes on Musona

It is 4 days before Africa's biggest football competition begins and Knowledge Musona is one striker who is expected to pose problems for Zimbabwe's Group B opponents.

Gifted with great technique, the ability to pick out off the ball runs by team mates and a natural eye for goal, knowledge Musona a.k.a 'The Smiling Assassin' will be an impact player to look out for when the Warriors campaign begins with a tricky clash against Algeria at the Stade Franceville stadium on January 15.

In Zimbabwe's fruitful qualifying campaign, the Warriors Belgium-based forward played a massive role in ensuring Zimbabwe returned to the big stage after over a decade.

Musona led the Warriors goal scoring charts with four goals from 6 outings, scoring one more than Khama Billiat who chipped in with 3.

The Smiling Assassin opened his account by coolly slotting home a crucial equaliser against Guinea, in a game that ended in a 1-all stalemate at Rufaro stadium.

Musona was again central to Zimbabwe's cause when he scored a crucial equaliser away in Swaziland from a corner, before a cheeky penalty set Zimbabwe on their way to a comprehensive victory over Swaziland at the National Sports Stadium.

Zimbabwe's trusted penalty taker again scored from the spot in a 3-nil win over Malawi sealing the Warriors qualification for Gabon.

The 26 year old forward has been equally prolific in Belgium where he turns out for KV Oostende.

At Oostende, the Aces Youth Academy product has been on fire scoring a goal every two games.

In 17 matches played, the Smiling Assassin leads the scorers charts with 8 goals.

While Nyasha Mushekwi, Tendai Ndoro and Cuthbert Malajila are important players for Zimbabwe upfront, Musona will be a player to look out for when Zimbabwe troops into battle at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Boasting of 14 international goals since making his debut in a friendly against South Africa in 2010, Musona will be looking to use the AFCON campaign to close the gap on Peter Ndlovu who tops the charts with 35 goals.