Players to Watch at AFCON 2025

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is just around the corner, and Morocco is set to host some of the continent's biggest football stars.

These players, along with many others, are expected to make a significant impact on the tournament...

With the length and breadth of African talent descending on Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Flashscore has picked out one player from each team who could make their mark during the tournament.

Group A

Morocco's Rising Star: Brahim Diaz 
Leading the Atlas Lions' Charge

Morocco has been a dominant force in African football, reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 and winning the African Nations Championship in 2024. The successful tournament, featuring players from domestic leagues, showcases the country's depth of talent, with Brahim Diaz being one of the standout stars.

Brahim Diaz has made a seamless transition to the Moroccan national team, scoring seven goals in four AFCON qualifying games since switching allegiances from Spain in 2024. His impressive form has been a welcome addition to the Atlas Lions, and he'll be looking to continue his scoring streak in the upcoming tournament.

Playing alongside Achraf Hakimi has also given Diaz more confidence to take on defenders, using his exceptional dribbling skills to create scoring opportunities. With the support of his home crowd, expect Diaz to be a force to be reckoned with, posing a significant threat to opposing teams.

Mali's Dynamic Winger: Dorgeles Nene

Dorgeles Nene has been impressing with his performances for Fenerbahce this season, showcasing his pace, height, and versatility on the wing. The 22-year-old has adapted well to different roles, drifting in from the right wing to provide an option in the box and also playing on the left for his national side.

Nene's ability to create chaos across the frontline makes him a threat to opposing defenses. His speed and agility allow him to beat defenders, and his versatility gives Mali's coach tactical flexibility. With his impressive performances, Nene could be a key player for Mali in the tournament.

Zambia's Reliance on Patson Daka

Patson Daka is Zambia's standout star and the team's main attacking threat. The Leicester City striker has struggled for goals recently, scoring just two league goals since August 2024, but he has fared better for his national side, netting three times in seven World Cup qualifiers.

Daka's contract with Leicester City expires this summer, and a strong performance in Morocco could be crucial for his future. A good showing in the tournament could showcase his abilities and attract interest from other clubs, making it a vital campaign for the 28-year-old.

Comoros' Rising Star: Rafiki Said

Comoros are making their second AFCON finals appearance, and Rafiki Said is a key player leading the charge. The 25-year-old has been instrumental in the team's success, scoring crucial goals in qualifying and helping Comoros reach the tournament unbeaten.

Said already has eight goals from 17 caps, and he'll be looking to add to his tally in North Africa. With his experience and skill, he's poised to make a significant impact in the tournament and help Comoros make history.

 

Cameroon's Midfield Maestro: Carlos Baleba

Carlos Baleba, just 21, is one of the youngest players at the AFCON, but his talent and potential are undeniable. Manchester United were willing to pay around 100 million pounds for him, and he's a driving force in midfield with a engine suited for tournament football.

Baleba's tackling, vision, and left foot make him a key player for Cameroon. He can score from outside the box and will be crucial if the team is to lift the title for the first time since 2017.

Group B

South Africa's Experienced Midfielder: Teboho Mokoena

Teboho Mokoena has become a key player for South Africa, celebrating his 50th cap in the last international break. The 28-year-old midfielder brings big-game experience to the team, having represented Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup and helping South Africa finish third in the last AFCON.

Mokoena will be crucial if South Africa are to finally break their drought, and he's looking to replicate his previous success. With his leadership and skill, he's well-placed to lead the team to victory.

Zimbabwe's Creative Spark: Jordan Zemura

Jordan Zemura is a key player for Zimbabwe, and his form will be crucial if the team is to make a deep run in the tournament. The Udinese left-back has been impressive, showing the consistency and skill that earned him 19 Premier League appearances at Bournemouth.

Zemura's creativity and dribbling skills make him a threat on the left wing, and his set-piece expertise adds another dimension to Zimbabwe's attack. He'll be looking to lead the team to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

Egypt's Form Man: Trezeguet

Trezeguet has rediscovered his goal-scoring form for Egypt, netting nine times in 15 games since 2025. This marks a significant turnaround for the 31-year-old, who had scored just 13 goals in his previous 65 games for the national team.

Egypt will rely on Trezeguet's current form, alongside stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, to make a strong showing in the tournament. With his newfound scoring touch, Trezeguet could be the one to steal the show.

Angola's Experienced Leader: Fredy

Fredy, at 35, is leading Angola into their second-straight AFCON, aiming to make history by reaching the semi-finals. The charismatic midfielder is known for his dynamism and leadership, and has added an eye for goal in the campaign, scoring his seasonal league record this term.

Fredy's experience and skill will be crucial for Angola, and he could be the turning point for the veteran's national side. With a bit more expectation on their shoulders, Fredy and co. will look to prove themselves and make a deep run in the tournament.

Group C

Tanzania's Dark Horse: Novatus Miroshi

Novatus Miroshi is a key player for Tanzania, and he'll need to shine if his team is to make a surprise run in the tournament. The defensive midfielder has impressed with Goztepe in Turkey's Super Lig, helping them to a strong fourth-place finish.

Miroshi's strength in tackling and duelling will be crucial for Tanzania, allowing his team to break up opposition attacks and launch counter-attacks. He's a dark horse to watch in the tournament.

Nigeria's Rising Star: Christantus Uche

Christantus Uche's rise to prominence has been meteoric, going from non-league football in Spain to the Premier League with Crystal Palace. This impressive journey earned him three caps for Nigeria, and he's looking to make a mark at the AFCON.

Uche's quality and potential make him a player to watch, especially given Nigeria's need for a strong performance after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. He could be the spark the Super Eagles need to turn their fortunes around.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle announces his Africa Cup of Nations preliminary squad. pic.twitter.com/Y5WNgVIQ4b

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 2, 2025

Tunisia's Creative Spark: Hannibal Mejbri

Hannibal Mejbri is a huge asset to Tunisia, bringing Premier League experience to the national side. The midfielder, formerly of Manchester United and now of Burnley, plays in the number 10 role, using his cunning and grit to break up play and find the right pass.

Mejbri's creativity and vision will be crucial for Tunisia, and he's expected to be at the heart of the team's attack. Despite limited goal contributions, his experience and skill make him a key player to watch in the tournament.

Uganda's Defensive Rock: Jordan Obita

Jordan Obita is heading into his first major tournament with Uganda, looking to keep clean sheets in a tough group. The Hibernian defender has experience playing in England's lower leagues, having made a name for himself with Reading and Wycombe Wanderers.

Obita's fitness is a big question mark after sustaining an ankle injury against Celtic on November 30th. If he can make the field, he'll bring real balance to Uganda's backline, making him a crucial player for the team.

Group D

Senegal's Impact Player: Nicolas Jackson

Nicolas Jackson's form will be crucial for Senegal's success in the AFCON, as he battles with Sadio Mane for a starting spot. The Bayern Munich loanee has impressed with his goalscoring ability, often coming off the bench to make an impact.

Jackson's versatility and goal-scoring prowess make him a rare commodity in the tournament, and Senegal will rely on him to make a difference in North Africa. His ability to perform off the bench will be invaluable in a packed schedule.

Botswana's Unsung Hero: Tumisang Orebonye

Tumisang Orebonye could be a key player for Botswana in the AFCON, despite the team's unlikely chances of advancing. The midfielder has impressed with his work rate and defensive skills, earning a 7.3 Mon Diaries rating in qualifying.

Orebonye's experience playing outside of southern Africa will be valuable for the Zebras, and he'll look to share his knowledge with the team. His contributions will be crucial if Botswana is to make an impact in the tournament.

DR Congo's Experienced Leader: Chancel Mbemba

Chancel Mbemba brings a wealth of top-level experience to the DR Congo squad, with 101 caps for his national side. The 31-year-old Lille defender is a man for the big moment, having scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Nigeria to send his nation to the World Cup play-offs.

Tumisang Orebonye could be a key player for Botswana in the AFCON, despite the team's unlikely chances of advancing. The midfielder has impressed with his work rate and defensive skills, earning a 7.3 Flashscore rating in qualifying. Orebonye's experience playing outside of southern Africa will be valuable for the Zebras, and he'll look to share his knowledge with the team. His contributions will be crucial if Botswana is to make an impact in the tournament.

Benin's Creative Spark: Junior Olaitan

Junior Olaitan is a creative midfielder with 34 caps and five goals for Benin, and has played 12 matches in the Turkish Super Lig this season. The 23-year-old is part of a youthful team that's progressing well together.

Olaitan will likely play in the number 10 role, using his technical quality to unpick defenses. With four assists across AFCON and World Cup qualifying, he's expected to be a key player for Benin in the tournament.

Group E

Algeria's Deadly Striker: Mohamed Amoura

Mohamed Amoura has had a breakout year for Algeria, scoring 10 goals in 10 World Cup qualifiers in 2025, with a strong goals per game ratio and four assists. The Wolfsburg striker is a threat at club level too, with four goals in 12 games.

Amoura's composure and finishing ability make him a key player for Algeria. He's a danger in one-on-one situations and can finish with both feet, making him a player to watch in the tournament.

Equatorial Guinea's Rock: Saul Coco

Saul Coco is the definition of consistency, with a 7.1 Flashscore rating in Serie A for Torino this season. The centre-half has been solid at club level, and now looks to bring that consistency to the national side.

Coco was part of Equatorial Guinea's impressive AFCON campaign, and he'll look to lead the defense to further success this time around. His combative style makes him a key player for the team.

Burkina Faso's Towering Presence: Edmond Tapsoba

Edmond Tapsoba is a stalwart for Bayer Leverkusen and Burkina Faso, having been at the heart of his team since he was 17. The centre-back has attracted interest from Premier League clubs, and is known for his strength in defense and calmness on the ball.

Tapsoba's vision and passing ability make him a unique defender, and he'll likely move into midfield to influence Burkina Faso's chances in Group E. His leadership and quality will be crucial for the team.

Sudan's Deadly Striker: Mohamed Abdelrahman

Mohamed Abdelrahman is Sudan's record national goalscorer, with 13 goals for his country. At 32, this could be his final chance to make a mark on the continental stage, and he'll look to lead Sudan to success in the AFCON.

Abdelrahman's experience and goalscoring ability make him a key player for Sudan, who will rely on him to fire them past the group stage.

Group F

Cameroon's Midfield Maestro: Carlos Baleba

Carlos Baleba, just 21, is one of the youngest players at the AFCON, but his talent and potential are undeniable. Manchester United were willing to pay around 100 million pounds for him, and he's a driving force in midfield with a engine suited for tournament football.

Baleba's tackling, vision, and left foot make him a key player for Cameroon. He can score from outside the box and will be crucial if the team is to lift the title for the first time since 2017.

Gabon's Legendary Striker: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 36, is Gabon's main man and record goalscorer with 39 goals since 2010. This could be his last chance at glory, and the team will rely on him to lead them to success.

Aubameyang's experience and quality make him a key player, but Gabon faces a tough group. He'll need to produce magic to get them past the group stage and finally strike gold for his nation.

Mozambique's Dependable Defender: Reinildo Mandava

Reinildo Mandava has made a successful transition to Sunderland, looking accomplished at right back with a promoted side. His versatility also allows him to play at centre-back, which he'll likely do for Mozambique at AFCON.

Mandava carries Mozambique's hopes on his shoulders, and he'll be hoping to provide some cheer back home during the competition. Having fought to get to the top from a young age, he's ready to lead his team.

Ivory Coast's Rising Star: Yan Diomande

Yan Diomande, just 19, has broken into RB Leipzig's starting XI and is making waves with his strength and finishing ability. The winger has scored in three straight starts, showcasing his skill and versatility on both sides of the pitch.

Diomande already has two goals for the Ivory Coast from four games, and his talent and potential make him a player to watch. Expect big things from this young star in the AFCON.