The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) rarely follows a script, and the 2025 edition promises the same familiar chaos, drama, and individual brilliance.
As African national teams collide once again, this tournament will be decided not by systems alone, but by players capable of bending matches to their will when pressure peaks.
Across the continent, a select group of footballers arrive carrying more than form. Some are established stars expected to deliver instantly, others are emerging names ready to seize a defining moment. Together, these difference-makers could tilt games and ultimately shape how this AFCON is remembered.
Here, NRTC has come up with a list of 10 key players to watch at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
10. Brahim Diaz (Winger, Morocco)
Rare type of midfielder who operates in the tightest of spaces. He has massive vision of throw thread passes and unlock defences.
He has the creativity and unpredictability to do the damage on defenders and help carry the Atlas Lions (who are also the hosts) all the way.
9. Mohamed Amoura (Forward, Algeria)
Algeria’s World Cup qualifying surge has been powered by Mohamed Amoura. Unsurprisingly, 2025 has belonged to the Wolfsburg striker.
He has scored 11 goals in eight internationals since March, including a hat-trick against Mozambique. Consequently, he is now first choice up front. Riyad Mahrez remains central, yet Amoura’s chemistry with him grows steadily. Despite his height, he remains dangerous aerially.
8. Ibrahim Mbaye (Forward, Senegal)
Senegal still rely on Sadio Mane, supported by Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr. However, Ibrahim Mbaye represents tomorrow’s Teranga Lions.
The teenager has been carefully introduced at PSG, including a Champions League start. Soon after, he dazzled internationally.
He debuted against Brazil, then became Senegal’s youngest scorer versus Kenya. His real international arrival could be announced in Group D of the AFCON 2025.
7. Amad Diallo (Winger, Cotê d’Ivoire)
Diallo is a technical creative winger that has quick, tricky feet and can open up defences with his incisive passes and crosses.
The Manchester United winger will be seeking to help the defending champions claim the trophy again in Morocco.
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6. Victor Osimhen (Striker, Nigeria)
Nigeria’s hopes often rise or fall with Victor Osimhen’s availability. Due to this, his form may dictate their tournament fate. The Super Eagles struggled without him during World Cup qualification. Moreover, his early exit against DR Congo changed that playoff tie.
Osimhen’s presence is vital under Eric Chelle. Therefore, improvement on last tournament’s runners-up finish depends heavily on him.
5. Pape Matar Sarr (Midfielder, Senegal)
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder brings everything to the middle of the park. Brilliant box-to-box midfielder, intelligent positioning, and technical ability to drive forward and create chances or even score.
If Senegal are to go far at the AFCON 2025, then expect Sarr to be at the centre of things, controlling happenings from the middle.
4. Rogers Mato (Forward, Uganda)
Uganda return to AFCON seeking progress and belief. Hence, Rogers Mato carries significant responsibility.
The winger starred in World Cup qualifying, scoring twice brilliantly against Mozambique. Additionally, his club form has been electric. With 12 league goals for Vardar, Mato arrives confident. Therefore, he could drive Uganda’s push for knockout qualification.
3. Azzedine Ounahi (Midfielder, Morocco)
With captain Achraf Hakimi racing for fitness, Morocco may seek inspiration elsewhere. Therefore, many eyes will fall on Azzedine Ounahi.
Brahim Diaz led qualifying goals, yet Ounahi controls rhythm and tempo from midfield. As a result, his influence could prove decisive.
A Mohammed VI Academy product, he struggled initially at Marseille after World Cup heroics. However, a move to Girona has revived his sharpness. Morocco boast Yassine Bonou and Youssef En-Nesyri, but Ounahi could define Group A especially if Hakimi misses matches.
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2. Bryan Mbeumo (Forward, Cameroon)
Bryan Mbeumo is set to become central to Cameroon’s AFCON 2025 ambitions as the Indomitable Lions turn a fresh page under new leadership following World Cup qualification failure.
The dynamic forward has been Manchester United’s brightest spark this season, scoring seven times across competitions.
An injury ruled the 26-year-old out of the last Africa Cup of Nations, however this edition presents a timely chance to claim his first senior international silverware.
With long-time talisman Vincent Aboubakar omitted, Mbeumo now shoulders responsibility as attacking focal point and captain. He is tasked with delivering goals when Cameroon need them most.
1. Reinildo (Defender, Mozambique)
Mozambique aim to break new ground after past group-stage exits. Importantly, they now have a Premier League representative.
Reinildo joined Sunderland from Atlético Madrid and impressed immediately. His leadership and bravery anchor the Mambas’ defence.
Facing Ivory Coast and Cameroon, challenges are immense. Nevertheless, Reinildo embodies Mozambique’s belief in history-making progress.
Tags: Super Eagles, #LetsDoItAgain, #AFCON2025, Ibrahim Mbaye, Teranga Lions, Victor Osimhen, #SoarSuperEagles, Azzedine Ounahi, Mohamed Amoura, Rogers Mato.
