Sudanese football is undergoing a renaissance and one of the players at the front of this is the tough-tackling Omar Bakheit (pictured in blue).

Plying his trade with Sudan club side Al Hilal, the 23-year-old defender helped his team become domestic champions and reach the semi-finals of the African Champions League.

He also played a key part in Sudan qualifying for their first Africa Cup of Nations in more than 30 years.

A snappy challenger and a strong presence in the air, Bakheit fills a role not rich in glory but vital for any team success; if Sudan do well Bakheit should catch the eye.