Leverkusen face the AFCON challenge
BERLIN: Bayer Leverkusen’s bid for a debut Bundesliga title is likely to depend on how well Xabi Alonso’s side perform in their absences at the Africa Cup of Nations. Unbeaten Leverkusen are four points clear of second-placed Bayern, who have a game in hand but must do without AFCON-bound Odilon Kossunu, Edmond Tapsoba and Amin Adli. The fourth, Nigerian striker Victor Boniface, was due to make his AFCON debut but injured his groin in training and will be out until April after undergoing surgery. The tournament starts on Saturday and runs until February 11. This term includes crucial league games
