Six Players to Watch at Afcon 2025: The Stars Set to Light Up Morocco

The stage is set for a historic and winter-wrapped festival of African football. The 35th Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco on December 21, culminating in a final in Rabat on January 18. This tournament promises not only the intense drama and vibrant passion synonymous with Afcon but also a fascinating clash of generations, ambitions, and personal quests for glory. From hosts carrying the weight of a nation to established superstars chasing legacy-defining moments, the narrative threads are rich. Here, we profile six players whose performances could very well dictate the destiny of the trophy.

The Maestro in Waiting: Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco)

All eyes will be on the Atlas Lions as they aim to win their first Afcon title on home soil since 1976. However, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over their talismanic captain, Achraf Hakimi. Should the reigning African Footballer of the Year miss out or be limited, the creative burden will shift significantly. This is where Azzedine Ounahi must ascend from promising talent to consistent conductor.

The Olympique Marseille midfielder, whose elegant footwork and vision captivated global audiences during Morocco’s 2022 World Cup semi-final run, now faces his biggest domestic test. In Hakimi’s potential absence, Ounahi’s ability to dictate tempo, unlock deep-lying defenses, and provide the link between midfield and attack becomes paramount. His performance could be the difference between early pressure buckling the hosts and a smooth, confident march deep into the tournament.

• Key Role: Primary creative pivot in potential Hakimi absence.
• Strength: Sublime dribbling, progressive passing, and composure in tight spaces.
• Tournament Impact: His form could directly shape Morocco’s attacking fluency and overall confidence.

The Pharaoh’s Final Quest: Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

The narrative surrounding Mohamed Salah is arguably the most compelling of the tournament. Amidst ongoing speculation about his club future at Liverpool, Salah arrives in Morocco with a singular, burning objective: to deliver Egypt’s first Afcon title since 2010. His heartbreaking experiences in recent finals—defeat in 2017 and 2021—have only deepened his resolve.

This edition feels like a legacy-defining mission for the 32-year-old. No longer just Egypt’s star, he is their leader, their symbol, and their most potent weapon. Expect Salah to play with a palpable sense of destiny. He will be the focal point of every opponent’s defensive plan, but his unparalleled movement, lethal finishing, and evolved playmaking could finally propel the Pharaohs back to the summit of African football, putting any transfer talk firmly on the backburner.

The Defensive Rock: Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso)

While attackers often grab headlines, tournaments of this magnitude are frequently won by resolute defenses. For Burkina Faso, a nation consistently punching above its weight, Edmond Tapsoba is the cornerstone. The Bayer Leverkusen defender is coming off a phenomenal, unbeaten Bundesliga-winning season, embodying a new generation of African defenders who are technically superb and physically dominant.

Tapsoba’s leadership, aerial prowess, and ability to play out from the back will be crucial for the Stallions. In a group stage and knockout format where moments of defensive lapse are fatal, his organization and calmness can provide the platform for Burkina Faso’s talented attackers to thrive. He is the prototype of the modern center-back and could emerge as the tournament’s best defender.

• Key Role: Defensive leader and build-up initiator.
• Strength: Elite defensive positioning, ball-playing confidence, and physical dominance.
• Tournament Impact: Could anchor a surprise deep run for Burkina Faso.

The Electric Wildcard: Lamine Camara (Senegal)

Senegal, the 2021 champions, enter as one of the favorites, boasting a squad brimming with experience and quality. While the focus may be on stars like Sadio Mané, the emergence of Lamine Camara adds a thrilling new dimension. The young Metz midfielder, named Best Young Player at the 2023 Afcon, is a dynamic force of nature.

Camara’s boundless energy, powerful runs from deep, and surprising goal threat make him a nightmare for tiring midfields. He represents the vibrant future of Senegalese football and offers coach Aliou Cissé a potent weapon from the start or off the bench. In the high-stakes, physically demanding knockout phases, a player of Camara’s explosiveness can be a decisive X-factor.

The Clinical Finisher: Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

The reigning African Footballer of the Year arrives with a point to prove. Victor Osimhen’s raw power, relentless work ethic, and predatory instincts make him the most feared striker on the continent. For Nigeria, a team often criticized for lacking a cohesive system, Osimhen is the ultimate safety net—a player capable of conjuring a goal from minimal service.

His performance will be the barometer for the Super Eagles’ success. If Nigeria can provide him with consistent supply, Osimhen has the capacity to win the Golden Boot and single-handedly drag his nation to the latter stages. His aerial ability and pace in behind ensure he is a constant menace, and he will be desperate to add a major international trophy to his glittering individual accolades.

The Midfield Engine: Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco)

Staying with the hosts, another Moroccan talent poised for a breakthrough is Bilal El Khannouss. The 20-year-old Genk playmaker is a different profile to Ounahi—more of a traditional number 10 with exquisite vision and a killer final pass. Having already earned the trust of coach Walid Regragui, this tournament is his opportunity to announce himself on the continental stage.

In games where Morocco is expected to dominate possession and face packed defenses, El Khannouss’s guile and ability to thread the needle could be the perfect solution. He embodies the rich technical depth now available to the Atlas Lions and could emerge as the tournament’s breakout star, especially if called upon to provide creative magic in critical moments.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

Afcon 2025 in Morocco is shaping up to be a tactical and generational battleground. While the usual suspects—Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast—will be favored, the unique pressure of a home tournament and the unpredictable nature of Afcon mean surprises are guaranteed.

Look for Mohamed Salah to play with a legendary determination, potentially driving Egypt to the final. The host nation, Morocco, will lean heavily on their collective system, but the performances of Azzedine Ounahi and Bilal El Khannouss could determine if they handle the immense expectation. Meanwhile, players like Edmond Tapsoba and Lamine Camara represent the rising forces ready to challenge the established hierarchy.

Ultimately, this tournament will be remembered for the moments of individual brilliance within the collective struggle. These six players, from the superstar on a mission to the young maestro on the rise, carry the narratives that will define a North African winter. Their talent, nerve, and desire will not only captivate a continent but will also write the next chapter in the rich, unforgettable story of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.