AFCON 2025: New African stars shine in Morocco

AFCON 2025 in Morocco has been a breakthrough tournament for a new wave of African talents, with several young players announcing themselves on the continental stage.

From Senegal to Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Mali, the competition has revealed footballers ready to shape the future of African football.

Senegal’s 17‑year‑old Ibrahim Mbaye, a Paris-born forward with PSG, has become the youngest goalscorer in his country’s AFCON history, turning late cameos into game‑changing performances and a key weapon for Pape Thiaw. Mbaye will likely play a role in the final against Morocco.

For hosts Morocco, midfielder Neil El Aynaoui has emerged as the heartbeat of Walid Regragui’s system, dictating tempo, breaking up play and driving the Atlas Lions forward with maturity beyond his years. El Aynaoui is the son of the retired Moroccan tennis player Younes El Aynaoui.

Ivory Coast’s 19‑year‑old Christ Inao Oulaï revitalised an aging Elephants midfield, earning a starting spot and a man‑of‑the‑match award thanks to his composure under pressure and long‑range threat. Cameroon’s powerful teenage striker Christian Kofane impressed with his aerial dominance and efficiency, while Mali’s Mahamadou Doumbia and Senegal defender Mamadou Sarr showed that the next generation is already pushing established stars for their places.

Together, these rising players have given AFCON 2025 a fresh, hopeful energy, suggesting the continent’s footballing future is in safe hands

The 2025 AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal will be played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick‑off at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT). The whole world will be watching this final.