African football bursts back into life on Sunday evening in Rabat, as the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations kicks off with hosts Morocco facing Comoros. As stadium lights glow and the continent’s attention turns to Morocco, AFCON once again blends legacy with renewal — a tournament where reputations are tested and new names are written into African football history.
While several stars arrive with World Cup pedigree and elite European experience, many will be stepping onto AFCON’s unique stage for the first time. From Premier League and Bundesliga regulars to emerging talents forged in African and European top academies, these debutants will shape the narrative of Morocco 2025 — a competition where status counts for little without substance.
Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon – Manchester United)
Bryan Mbeumo arrives at AFCON 2025 as a debutant in name only. The forward has already performed on football’s grandest stage, representing Cameroon at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he gained valuable experience against elite opposition. That exposure has accelerated his maturity and reinforced his status as a senior attacking option at Manchester United, where his pace, intelligence and versatility have been honed.
His AFCON bow has been delayed rather than denied. Mbeumo was part of Cameroon’s plans for the 2023 AFCON, played in 2024, but an injury shortly before the tournament ruled him out.
Now fit and 26, he arrives in Morocco expected to be one of the team’s attacking reference points. The symbolism is unmistakable: Mbeumo has been handed the iconic number 10 shirt, worn by legends such as Patrick Mboma and Vincent Aboubakar, underlining his central role in the Indomitable Lions’ ambitions.
Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire – Manchester United)
Amad Diallo arrives at AFCON 2025 carrying significant expectation at both club and international level. Now an established figure at Manchester United, the winger has sharpened his natural flair with improved decision-making, tactical awareness and consistency. His close control, balance and ability to influence games in tight spaces have made him one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most exciting attacking options.
Among Ivorian supporters and former internationals, Diallo has already been compared to Kanga Akalé, Arouna Dindane, Kader Keïta and Yao Gervinho — a lineage of wide attackers whose influence shaped Côte d’Ivoire’s most memorable runs at major international tournaments. AFCON 2025 now offers Diallo the opportunity to justify those comparisons and carve out his own legacy on the continental stage.
Carlos Baleba (Cameroon – Brighton & Hove Albion)
Carlos Baleba has continued his rise with Brighton & Hove Albion, where his physical presence, ball-winning ability and growing composure have made him a key midfield figure in the Premier League. Blessed with power and technical comfort, Baleba disrupts opposition play while also contributing to transitions — traits increasingly vital at elite level.
AFCON 2025 will be his first continental examination. Cameroon will lean on his energy and discipline to compete in midfield battles that often dictate tournament outcomes, with Baleba’s debut likely to be pivotal in shaping how far the Lions progress in Morocco.
Yan Diomande (Côte d’Ivoire – RB Leipzig)
Yan Diomande’s development has been shaped by the demanding environment at RB Leipzig, where tactical intelligence and intensity are non‑negotiable. Versatile and positionally astute, he offers balance and structure rather than headline‑grabbing flair.
For Côte d’Ivoire, his AFCON debut adds depth and adaptability — invaluable qualities over a long campaign. Diomande now has the chance to introduce himself to a wider African audience.
Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal – Paris Saint‑Germain)
Ibrahim Mbaye represents Senegal’s next wave, developing within the elite framework of Paris Saint‑Germain. His athleticism, aggression and technical base have been sharpened in one of Europe’s most demanding environments.
Making his AFCON debut in a squad rich with experience, Mbaye will be expected to adapt quickly. Morocco 2025 could be the tournament that fast‑tracks his transition from prospect to established international.
Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco – Sunderland)
Chemsdine Talbi arrives at AFCON 2025 with momentum from Sunderland, where his composure and tactical intelligence have stood out in a competitive English setting. Capable in deeper phases or linking play into attack, Talbi embodies the technical assurance Morocco hopes will underpin their title challenge.
Crucially, Talbi is expected to be in contention for a starting place in Morocco’s opening match against Comoros tonight, a significant responsibility on home soil. A strong display could elevate him rapidly from squad option to central figure in the Atlas Lions’ campaign.
Mamadou Sangare (Mali – RC Lens)
Mamadou Sangare has forged himself into a reliable presence at RC Lens, where his discipline, reading of the game and ball retention have underpinned midfield performances in Ligue 1. While not always the flashiest presence, his control in tight moments and efficiency in distribution make him a valued asset.
For Mali, his AFCON debut fits a familiar narrative — immense potential seeking consistency. Sangare’s ability to organise play from deeper positions may prove vital if the Eagles are to build sustained momentum in Morocco.
Lyle Foster (South Africa – Burnley)
Lyle Brent Foster, 25 enters AFCON 2025 as South Africa’s attacking reference point. At Burnley, he has grown through the demands of English football, sharpening his hold‑up play, movement and finishing against physical opposition.
His AFCON debut carries responsibility as much as expectation. Goals have often been elusive for Bafana Bafana at AFCON, and Foster is expected to provide the cutting edge. Morocco 2025 offers him the platform to establish himself as South Africa’s long‑term focal point.
Aaron Wan‑Bissaka (DR Congo – West Ham United)
28-year-old Aaron Wan‑Bissaka brings elite‑level experience to his AFCON debut following his exploits at West Ham United. Renowned for his one‑on‑one defending, he offers composure and tactical discipline from full‑back.
For DR Congo, his presence adds authority and stability as they seek to reassert themselves among Africa’s leading nations. Wan‑Bissaka’s adaptation to AFCON’s unique rhythm could be decisive in knockout football.
As the opening whistle sounds in Rabat, AFCON 2025 once again promises drama, discovery and defining moments. For these debutants, the tournament is more than a first appearance — it is an invitation to seize Africa’s grandest stage and shape the continent’s footballing future.
