WeeklySA_AdminYOUTH POWER: Among the players to watch are Senegal’s Lamine Camara and Ibrahim Mbaye, Côte d’Ivoire’s Oumar Diakité, Algeria’s Ibrahim Hamza, Cameroon’s Christian Michel Kofane, and DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki…
By Own Correspondent
As Morocco prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, the spotlight will fall not only on established stars but also on a new generation of African talent ready to make their mark on the continent’s biggest stage.
Among the players to watch are Senegal’s Lamine Camara and Ibrahim Mbaye, Côte d’Ivoire’s Oumar Diakité, Algeria’s Ibrahim Hamza, Cameroon’s Christian Michel Kofane, and DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki.
All these players have been capped for their countries and have shown glimpses of their potential on the international stage, with the exception of Kofane, whose debut for the five-time AFCON winners has been delayed by his commitments at Bayer Leverkusen.
He has finally made himself available for the national team and the man nicknamed ‘the next Eto’o’ by his club colleague, Edmund Tatsoba of Burkina Faso is expected to be one of Cameroon’s lead striker at the tournament.
Lamine Camara – Senegal, Midfielder (21)
A central figure in Senegal’s midfield, Camara has already shown his ability to deliver under pressure, scoring at the last AFCON and winning the CAF Young Player of the Year award in 2024.
Operating in midfield as one of the regulars for AS Monaco, he combines energy, tactical intelligence, and composure, often dictating the tempo for the Teranga Lions.
Having won the U-20 AFCON and the CHAN, this tournament is clearly the next stage he is expected to pilot his nation to glory, especially after his debut AFCON ended in a dissapointing eighth final defeat to Cote D’Ivoire last time out.
AFCON impact: In Group D — featuring Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana — Camara’s ability to break up attacks and drive forward could be pivotal for coach Pape Thiaw and the Teranga Lions, even if the likes of Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye are in the den with more experience.
Ibrahim Mbaye – Senegal, Forward (17)
A former France youth international, Mbaye is being carefully integrated into senior football by Paris St-Germain this season. The teenager has already made an impact, starting in PSG’s Champions League victory over Barcelona and featuring as a substitute in their European Super Cup triumph against Tottenham.
Mbaye made his senior debut for Senegal last month against Brazil, and just days later became the country’s youngest-ever goalscorer at 17 years and 298 days when he netted in an 8-0 win over Kenya. His pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing have already made him a dynamic threat for the Teranga Lions, hinting at a bright future on the international stage.
AFCON impact: In Group D, Mbaye’s speed and directness could trouble defenders and provide crucial breakthroughs for Senegal against teams like DR Congo and Benin.
Oumar Diakité – Côte d’Ivoire, Forward (21)
Diakité has already made a name for himself as a proven goal threat, with five international goals and a key role in Côte d’Ivoire’s last AFCON triumph. His intelligent movement, pace, and finishing make him a constant danger in the final third. He is currently enjoying a strong start to the season at Belgium’s Cercle Brugge – form which he could take to the AFCON help Cote D’Ivoire’s title defense.
AFCON impact: In Group F — facing Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique — Diakité’s clinical instincts could be the difference in tight encounters for the Elephants.
Ibrahim Maza– Algeria, Forward (20)
The Bayer Leverkusen forward chose Algeria at senior level and is celebrated for his flair, composure, and eye for goal. Maza is expected to provide creativity and attacking impetus for the Desert Foxes in what promises to be a competitive Group E.
AFCON impact: Against Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan, Hamza’s skill and finishing ability could give Algeria the edge needed to top the group.
Christian Michel Kofane – Cameroon, Forward (19)
Making waves in his first season at Bayern Leverkusen, Kofane has already featured 13 times, scoring three goals, assisting once, and provoking two penalties. Although yet to make his senior international debut, he has already put Cameroon on course for the World Cup playoffs, helping the Indomitable Lions defeat DR Congo and Nigeria in crucial fixtures. Kofane’s energy, vision, and tactical intelligence make him a key figure in linking defence and attack for Cameroon.
AFCON impact: In Group F, Kofane’s presence in his first AFCON tournament could be decisive in dictating play and creating opportunities against teams like Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon.
Noah Sadiki – DR Congo, Midfielder (20)
Sunderland’s versatile midfielder, Sadiki, is known for his composure, tactical awareness, and ability to control the tempo under pressure.
Already capped for DR Congo, his ball retention and intelligence make him crucial as the junior Leopards aim to progress from a tough Group D.
AFCON impact: Against Senegal, Benin, and Botswana, Sadiki’s ability to dominate the midfield could be vital for DR Congo’s chances of reaching the knockout stage in what will be his debut AFCON.
From teenagers making their AFCON debuts to slightly more experienced stars returning to the continental stage, these six players embody the future of African football. Their performances in Morocco could not only shape their nations’ campaigns but also announce them as talents to watch on the global stage. – Cafonline
