AFCON 2025 promises to showcase the best in exciting footballing talent. Teams are preparing to do battle in the biggest fight for continental bragging rights! Don’t sleep on the big names – the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will always be in the mix! Don’t sleep on the two breakout stars, Iliman Ndiaye and Mohamed Amoura. The tournament is set to showcase not just the skills of each player, but the dreams and desires of each of their countries as well.
Sadio Mane, meanwhile, has scored or assisted in 12 of his 17 appearances for Al Nassr this season. He’s the most important player for Senegal. He took his young country to their first continental title – winning AFCON 2021. For that reason, this year he’s poised to have an even bigger impact. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah, despite facing challenges this season with only five goals in 20 matches across all competitions, remains a key player for Egypt, having scored nine goals during the CAF World Cup qualifying phase.
These able-bodied but deeply experienced athletes are warming up for battle. The tournament will be an important time for budding breakout stars like Iliman Ndiaye to show the world he’s become a household name at Everton. It’s been an impressive half-season for Saka, having six goal involvements in the Premier League. As one of the league’s most consistent talents, he can help be a key ingredient for his national team’s success.
Established Stars Carrying Expectations
Sadio Mane has long been the most important player for Senegal. It’s his creative touch, which allows him to impact the direction of a game at will that has cemented his legacy as one of Africa’s best players ever. Last campaign, his play helped Senegal win their first AFCON title and he appears poised to carry that form forward. With five goals during the CAF World Cup qualifying phase, Mane is already displaying his capabilities ahead of the tournament.
Mohamed Salah’s situation is particularly intriguing. The Egyptian forward isn’t having the best campaign so far, only scoring five goals in all competitions. His experience and last three ARCA performances—2nd, 1st, 2nd—definitely make him one to watch. He has further illustrated his talents by scoring nine goals in the CAF World Cup qualifying phase. This encouraging performance means he will surely find his feet at AFCON 2025.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of the stars of world football right now, Gabon’s top player ever. Since his league debut in 2009, he’s been a key catalyst of the team’s attack. His extensive experience and ability to perform under pressure could be crucial as Gabon seeks to make a significant impact in the tournament.
Emerging Talents Stepping Up
Iliman Ndiaye’s emergence as one of the Premier League’s breakout stars has impressed on fans and pundits since the very first weekend. The Everton star’s six goal involvements this season underline his reliability and potential as a game-changer for his national team. If he does perform well during AFCON 2025, he may just cement his legacy as one of Africa’s most widely feared talents.
Algerian winger Mohamed Amoura has been one of the revelations in World Cup 2026 qualification. He ended as Africa’s top scorer, scoring a whopping ten goals. His ability to find the bottom of the net will be paramount for his nation’s hopes at AFCON. The spotlight will be on him, as it always is with young talent, as he moves from domestic success to international competition.
Carlos Baleba arrived at AFCON without major-tournament experience, but has nevertheless made an impression with performances that betray his age. Second, keep an eye on young midfielder Michael Brennan — he’s likely to surprise you as he steps into a bigger role in this demanding competition. His ability to perform under pressure will be tested as he aims to help guide his team through the competition.
National Aspirations and Leadership Roles
Achraf Hakimi, captain of Morocco, shines as Morocco’s captain. He carries the dreams and aspirations of millions of rabid supporters on his shoulders, nationwide from coast-to-coast as his football-crazed country. It’s Accam’s leadership on and off the pitch that will be critical as Morocco continue their pursuit of another AFCON title. The pressure on him is huge, understandably so, but his time at some of Europe’s biggest clubs will certainly help him.
The inclusion of Bryan Mbeumo now puts the Brentford forward in an enviable position after Vincent Aboubakar’s unexpected omission from the squad. The young striker inherits dual responsibilities: leading Cameroon’s attack while captaining the team. This opportunity is especially timely as Mbeumo aims to win his first trophy with Cameroon.
Wilfried Zaha’s years of experience will be invaluable as he joins the reigning champions seeking to defend their title. His sharpness and ability to impact games could make the difference that catapults Ivory Coast’s hopes to win the tournament.
Victor Osimhen’s road to AFCON has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Despite dominating domestically, he struggled to translate that success into major tournaments, having scored only one goal at the previous AFCON in 2023. Now he’s preparing to return to the gridiron. Fans can hardly wait to find out whether he’ll be able to overcome this hurdle once and for all!
