AFCON 2025: Key player from each of the 24 competing nations revealed

As Africa gears up for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, Goal.com’s Josh Donaldson highlights the standout player from each of the 24 qualified nations. From global stars to rising talents, these are the individuals expected to define their countries’ fortunes on the continent’s biggest stage.

Group A

Morocco – Brahim Diaz

The Real Madrid attacker, who switched allegiance from Spain in 2024, has become Morocco’s creative engine. With seven goals in four AFCON qualifiers and a natural on-field chemistry with Achraf Hakimi, he will be the hosts’ primary attacking threat.

Mali – Dorgeles Nene

A versatile winger for Fenerbahçe, Nene offers pace, height, and the ability to cut inside from either flank. He is central to Mali’s fluid attacking style and remains one of the most underrated wide forwards in Africa.

Zambia – Patson Daka

Despite inconsistent club form, Daka remains Zambia’s chief goalscorer. With three goals in seven World Cup qualifiers, the Leicester striker will be hungry to impress as his contract winds down.

Comoros – Rafiki Said

At 25, Said is already the leading star of Comoros’ new generation. With eight goals in 17 caps and crucial strikes in an unbeaten qualifying run, he is the heartbeat of their attack.

Group B

South Africa – Teboho Mokoena

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder brings steel, composure, and big-match experience. A driving force in their 2023 AFCON bronze-medal run, Mokoena remains Bafana Bafana’s on-field metronome.

Zimbabwe – Jordan Zemura

Used further forward for Zimbabwe, the Udinese left-back offers invention, energy, and set-piece threat. His European exposure is invaluable for a side pushing for its first-ever knockout berth.

Egypt – Trezeguet

Although Mohamed Salah headlines the team, Trezeguet’s resurgence, nine goals in 15 matches since 2025, makes him Egypt’s most in-form attacker entering the tournament.

Angola – Fredy

At 35, the Bodrumspor midfielder remains Angola’s inspirational leader. Dynamic, experienced, and now more goal-conscious than ever, Fredy anchors a team looking to build on its impressive 2023 quarter-final run.

Group C

Tanzania – Novatus Miroshi

The Göztepe defensive midfielder is Tanzania’s main disruptor. His tackling and transitional play will be vital as the Taifa Stars aim to punch above their weight.

Nigeria – Christantus Uche

The Crystal Palace defender has risen rapidly from Spanish non-league football to the Super Eagles setup. His athleticism and composure add fresh energy to a Nigeria side under pressure after missing the 2026 World Cup.

Tunisia – Hannibal Mejbri

The Burnley midfielder, once a promising Manchester United prospect, channels Tunisia’s creativity. Tenacious and technically sharp, he will operate as their key playmaker.

Uganda – Jordan Obita

The Hibernian defender brings much-needed balance and experience, though his AFCON readiness depends on recovery from a recent ankle injury.

Group D

Senegal – Nicolas Jackson

Now at Bayern Munich, Jackson is often used as an impact forward but remains a deadly weapon. His pace and directness complement Sadio Mané in Senegal’s star-studded lineup.

Botswana – Tumisang Orebonye

Returning after 12 years away from AFCON, Botswana will rely heavily on Orebonye’s relentless work rate and experience playing beyond southern Africa.

DR Congo – Chancel Mbemba

The Lille defender is one of the continent’s most experienced players with over 100 caps. A defensive pillar and set-piece threat, Mbemba is central to DR Congo’s solidity.

Benin – Junior Olaitan

The Göztepe midfielder is Benin’s creative hub. Operating as a No. 10, his vision and technical craft are crucial for a youthful team seeking a breakout performance.

Group E

Algeria – Mohamed Amoura

The Wolfsburg striker enjoyed an explosive qualifying campaign, scoring 10 goals in 10 World Cup qualifiers. Two-footed and ruthlessly clinical, Amoura is Algeria’s main source of goals.

Equatorial Guinea – Saúl Coco

A pillar of consistency for Torino, Coco blends aerial dominance with tactical discipline. He was essential in their 2023 Cinderella run and remains the spine of the team.

Burkina Faso – Edmond Tapsoba

One of Africa’s best modern centre-backs, Tapsoba brings leadership, strength, and progressive passing. The Bayer Leverkusen star dictates play from deep.

Sudan – Mohamed Abdelrahman

Sudan’s all-time top scorer enters what may be his final AFCON. If Sudan are to shock anyone, Abdelrahman will be at the centre of it.

Group F

Cameroon – Carlos Baleba

Brighton’s powerhouse midfielder is on the verge of a nine-figure transfer. His ball-carrying, physicality, and long-range shooting make him Cameroon’s new engine.

Gabon – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

At 36, Aubameyang remains the face of Gabonese football. Even in the twilight of his career, his speed, instincts, and leadership give Gabon a fighting chance.

Mozambique – Reinildo Mandava

The versatile Sunderland defender, formerly of Atlético Madrid, anchors Mozambique’s defence. His experience and discipline will be key in a difficult group.

Ivory Coast – Yan Diomande

Only 19, the RB Leipzig winger is one of Africa’s brightest emerging stars. Strong, fast, two-footed, and already impactful with two goals in four caps, Diomande looks primed for a breakout tournament.

AFCON 2025 promises a thrilling showcase of African football at its finest. In Morocco, these 24 players will carry the hopes of their nations, aiming to write their names into continental history. Whether through moments of individual brilliance or collective inspiration, they are set to define the tournament and reinforce Africa’s ever-growing influence on the global football stage.

Which of these 24 players are you most excited to watch at AFCON 2025? Did we miss a key talent from your nation? Share your top pick and thoughts in the comments.