The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is poised to kick off in Morocco on December 21st, culminating with the final in Rabat on January 18th. This prestigious tournament returns to North African soil for the first time since 1976, creating a compelling backdrop for both established superstars and emerging talents to showcase their abilities on the continental stage.
Host nation Morocco enters the competition with heightened expectations but faces potential adversity as captain Achraf Hakimi, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, battles fitness concerns. Should Hakimi be unavailable, creative responsibility may fall to midfield orchestrator Azzedine Ounahi. The 25-year-old Girona playmaker, a product of Morocco’s esteemed Mohammed VI Academy, has rediscovered his exceptional form after a challenging period at Marseille, emerging as a potential linchpin for the Atlas Lions in Group A encounters against Comoros, Mali, and Zambia.
Algeria’s attacking prospects have been significantly enhanced by the remarkable emergence of Mohamed Amoura. The Wolfsburg striker has delivered an extraordinary international scoring record with 11 goals in just eight appearances since March, establishing himself as a perfect complementary force to veteran leader Riyad Mahrez. Despite his modest stature, Amoura’s aerial prowess makes him a multifaceted threat that Group E opponents Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea must diligently contain.
Nigeria’s championship aspirations appear intrinsically linked to the form and fitness of talismanic striker Victor Osimhen. Statistical evidence reveals the Super Eagles’ profound dependence on the Galatasaray forward, having secured merely four points from fifteen available during his absence in World Cup qualifying. Described by teammates as operating on “another level,” Osimhen’s performance will be pivotal against Group C adversaries Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia.
Senegal, the 2021 champions, continue to benefit from the established excellence of Sadio Mané while integrating promising new talent. Seventeen-year-old sensation Ibrahim Mbaye has generated substantial excitement following his record-breaking debut for the Teranga Lions, becoming the nation’s youngest ever goalscorer. The Paris Saint-Germain prospect, who recently started against Barcelona in the Champions League, represents the exciting future of Senegalese football as they navigate Group D matches against Botswana, DR Congo, and Benin.
Uganda’s return to AFCON after a six-year absence features the dynamic talents of Rogers Mato. The 22-year-old winger has demonstrated exceptional form for both club and country, scoring spectacular goals during qualification and emerging as a joint-top scorer in North Macedonia’s domestic league. His creative influence will be essential against formidable Group C opponents including Nigeria and Tunisia.
Historical achievement marks Mozambique’s campaign, with Sunderland defender Reinildo becoming the nation’s first Premier League representative. The 31-year-old left-back’s leadership and top-flight experience provide newfound credibility to a squad seeking their first-ever knockout stage appearance against Group F powerhouses Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Gabon.