Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers: Five young players ready to make their mark

The Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign begins on Thursday, with 48 teams competing for places at the finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The opening matches will also provide an opportunity for a group of emerging players to establish themselves with their national teams. Among those attracting attention are Ibrahim Mbaye, Abdellah Ouazane, Ibrahim Maza, Christian Kofane and Ryan Ogam.

Mbaye targets a bigger role with Senegal

Former Paris Saint-Germain player Ibrahim Mbaye has already made an impression at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and the 2026 World Cup.

At only 18, Mbaye now has the chance to convince Senegal’s new manager at the start of another qualifying campaign. The absence of Sadio Mane could give him greater responsibility, allowing him to build confidence and push for a regular place in the team.

Mbaye’s pace makes him capable of catching defenders off guard, and that speed could become an important weapon for Senegal’s attack.

Morocco hand first senior chance to Ouazane

Abdellah Ouazane, named the best player at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations U17, has received his first call-up to the senior Morocco squad.

His performances for Ajax Amsterdam could offer Morocco an additional creative presence during the qualifiers. A midfield partnership with Ayyoub Bouaddi could be particularly significant, although Ouazane may need several matches and a major performance before securing a permanent influence in the Atlas Lions’ midfield.

Maza set for Algeria rebuild

Ibrahim Maza could benefit from Riyad Mahrez’s international retirement as Algeria begin to reshape their side.

The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is comfortable operating in tight spaces. He previously represented Germany at youth level before deciding to play for Algeria, and is expected to form part of the team’s renewal during the qualifying campaign.

Kofane leads Cameroon’s young attack

Cameroon manager David Pagou will have a young and direct centre-forward available at the beginning of the qualifiers.

Christian Kofane, 20, made his Cameroon debut at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. After an encouraging start to the season with Bayer Leverkusen, he is expected to play an important attacking role for the Indomitable Lions alongside players including Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba.

Ogam offers Kenya another attacking option

Kenya’s 21-year-old forward Ryan Ogam first attracted wider attention during the most recent edition of CHAN, scoring against Morocco and Zambia.

Kenya have already secured their place at the finals as one of the co-hosts, but the qualifying matches give them an opportunity to increase Ogam’s influence within the national side.