The countdown is on to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off in Morocco on 21 December and concludes with the final in Rabat on 18 January.
The hosts will hope to lift the trophy for the first time since 1976, while Mohamed Salah arrives with the chance to put talk about his Liverpool future aside as he leads Egypt’s push for their first crown since 2010.
Below are the top six Footballers to watch out for during the AFCON 2025
Azzedine Ounahi (Midfielder, Morocco)
Morocco may need inspiration from different areas of the pitch as captain Achraf Hakimi races to recover from injury. Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz finished as the top scorer in qualifying with seven goals, yet Azzedine Ounahi is the one many home supporters believe can carry the spark.
The Girona midfielder, a graduate of Morocco’s renowned Mohammed VI Academy, struggled for rhythm at Marseille after a breakthrough World Cup in 2022. His move to La Liga in August has revitalised him, with performances that suggest he is edging back to his best.
With Yassine Bonou anchoring the defence and Youssef En-Nesyri leading the line, Morocco have senior figures throughout the side. Their Group A fixtures against Comoros, Mali and Zambia could hinge on whether Ounahi becomes the creativity they need if Hakimi falls short of fitness.
Mohamed Amoura (Striker, Algeria)
No African player has scored more goals in World Cup qualifying this year. Mohamed Amoura has enjoyed a blistering 2025, striking 11 times in eight matches for Algeria, including a hat-trick against Mozambique.
The Wolfsburg forward has moved beyond the role of rising prospect, establishing himself as the first choice in a squad still built around Riyad Mahrez. The pair have formed a sharp understanding in the final third.
Amoura stands at just 5 feet 7 inches, yet his movement and timing make him dangerous in the air. Opponents in Group E, which includes Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea, will overlook him at their peril.
Victor Osimhen (Striker, Nigeria)
It is difficult to talk about Nigeria without mentioning Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker remains the heartbeat of the Super Eagles’ attack, and their struggles without him in World Cup qualifying confirmed his importance. Nigeria recorded only four points from fifteen when he was unavailable.
Osimhen is central to Eric Chelle’s style of play and the team faltered during their play-off against DR Congo once he was forced off at half-time. Team-mate Frank Onyeka has described him as being “on another level”, a sentiment many Nigerian fans would echo.
Nigeria begin their Group C campaign against Tanzania before meetings with Uganda and 2004 champions Tunisia. If they are to improve on their runners-up finish in the Ivory Coast, Osimhen’s form will almost certainly be a decisive factor.
Ibrahim Mbaye (Forward, Senegal)
Sadio Mané still commands star status for Senegal, while Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr continue to shine in the Premier League. Even so, a new name could catch the eye. Ibrahim Mbaye, just 17, has already made his senior debut and scored for the Teranga Lions.
The Paris St-Germain youngster, formerly a France youth international, has been eased into senior football this season. He featured in the Champions League win over Barcelona and played in the European Super Cup triumph against Tottenham.
Mbaye made headlines last month when he became Senegal’s youngest ever goalscorer at 17 years and 298 days after scoring in the 8-0 win over Kenya. Group D opponents Botswana, DR Congo and Benin will be wary of a teenager already showing signs of exceptional promise.
Rogers Mato (Forward, Uganda)
Uganda return to AFCON for the first time since 2019 and are building momentum ahead of co-hosting the 2027 edition. Their qualification campaign saw them finish second behind Algeria, helped by the sharp form of Rogers Mato.
The left winger has impressed with Vardar in North Macedonia, where he is currently the joint-top scorer with 12 goals. He struck two stunning efforts against Mozambique in September and has become vital to Paul Put’s attacking plans.
Uganda face a demanding Group C, with two former champions in Nigeria and Tunisia on either side of an East African derby against Tanzania. Their hopes of progressing may rest on Mato’s ability to provide a clinical edge.
Reinildo (Defender, Mozambique)
Mozambique heads to North Africa still chasing a first-ever appearance in the knockout stage. For the first time, they have a Premier League player to rely on. Reinildo made history in August when he became the first Mozambican to feature in the English top flight following his move from Atletico Madrid to Sunderland.
The 31-year-old has settled quickly at left-back, helping the newly promoted side enjoy a strong start to the season. His leadership and determination have been praised by the country’s legendary striker Tico Tico, who said: “He’s very brave, he gets everyone together and he shows the determination which helps the team achieve good results.”
Group F puts the Mambas alongside heavyweights Ivory Coast and Cameroon, as well as Gabon. For Mozambique to break new ground, Reinildo will need to be at his influential best.
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