Written By | TMA Reporter
Among the tournament’s many talents, Torch Media Africa highlights six players who could make a major impact.
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The 35th Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco on December 21, concluding with the final in Rabat on January 18. Host nation Morocco will aim to claim the trophy for the first time since 1976, while Mohamed Salah will seek to focus on delivering Egypt’s first title since 2010, temporarily setting aside questions about his Liverpool future. Among the tournament’s many talents, Torch Media Africa highlights six players who could make a major impact.
Rogers Mato (forward, Uganda)
Uganda return to the Afcon stage for the first time since 2019, when they were eliminated in the last 16, and are preparing to co-host the 2027 edition. Under Paul Put, the Cranes finished second in their World Cup qualifying group behind Algeria, with Rogers Mato their joint-top scorer on three goals. The 22-year-old left winger struck two spectacular efforts in September’s victory over Mozambique and has been in exceptional form for North Macedonian club Vardar. Uganda face a stern Group C challenge against former champions Nigeria and Tunisia, either side of an East African derby with 2027 co-hosts Tanzania. Taking chances will be essential—and Mato could be key to any knockout-round aspirations.
Mato
Azzedine Ounahi (midfielder, Morocco)
With skipper and current African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi in a race to regain fitness, the host nation may need others to rise to the occasion. While Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz topped qualifying with seven goals, creative midfielder Azzedine Ounahi is the player many Moroccan fans believe can inspire the team. A graduate of the respected Mohammed VI Academy, Ounahi faced a difficult spell at Marseille after joining on the strength of his superb 2022 World Cup displays. Since transferring to Spanish side Girona in August, however, the 25-year-old has recaptured his best form. Morocco—who meet Comoros, Mali and Zambia in Group A—also boast Africa’s finest goalkeeper in Yassine Bounou and the experienced forward Youssef En-Nesyri. But should Hakimi miss out, could Ounahi emerge as the Atlas Lions’ driving force?
Azzedine-Ounahi
Mohamed Amoura (striker, Algeria)
2025 has unquestionably belonged to Mohamed Amoura, Africa’s leading scorer in World Cup qualifying. The Wolfsburg attacker has netted 11 times in eight international appearances since March, including a treble against Mozambique. That prolific streak has cemented the 25-year-old as Algeria’s first-choice striker. Although Riyad Mahrez remains the iconic figure for the 2019 champions, he has developed an excellent understanding with Amoura. Standing just 5ft 7in, the forward remains a danger in the air—something Group E rivals Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea must be wary of.
Amoura
Victor Osimhen (striker, Nigeria)
An inevitable inclusion, Nigeria’s hopes seem closely linked to the fitness and form of the Galatasaray striker. The Super Eagles collected only four points from a possible 15 when the 26-year-old was unavailable during their unsuccessful 2026 World Cup qualifying bid. Osimhen is central to the side’s approach under coach Eric Chelle, and Nigeria struggled in their World Cup play-off against DR Congo after he was substituted at halftime. Described by teammate Frank Onyeka as operating “on another level,” Osimhen’s performances will be vital if Nigeria are to better their runner-up finish in Ivory Coast last time out. The three-time champions open against Tanzania in Group C, before facing Uganda and 2004 winners Tunisia. 
Osimhen
Ibrahim Mbaye (forward, Senegal)
Sadio Mané continues to be the talisman for the 2021 Afcon winners, supported by a fearsome attacking unit that includes Premier League performers Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr. Yet the tournament could offer a glimpse of Senegal’s next star: teenager Ibrahim Mbaye. A former France youth international, the Paris Saint-Germain prospect is being gradually introduced to first-team football, having started the Champions League victory over Barcelona after appearing off the bench in the European Super Cup triumph over Tottenham. Mbaye made his Senegal debut against Brazil in October, and days later became the country’s youngest ever scorer—aged 17 years and 298 days—with a goal in the 8-0 demolition of Kenya. He will feature in Group D matches against Botswana, DR Congo and Benin.
Ibrahim Mbaye
Reinildo (defender, Mozambique)
Mozambique arrive in North Africa having never progressed beyond the group stage in five prior Afcon appearances. This time, however, they can call upon their first-ever Premier League player: Reinildo, who joined Sunderland from Atlético Madrid in July. The 31-year-old left-back has helped the promoted Black Cats enjoy a fine start to the season and is seen as essential for the Mambas by the nation’s record scorer, Tico-Tico. “He’s very brave, he unites the group and shows the determination that drives the team to good results,” he told BBC Sport Africa. Drawn in a tough Group F alongside holders Ivory Coast, heavyweights Cameroon and Gabon, Reinildo and Mozambique will need to be at their peak to create history.
Reinildo-Mandava
