Mbeumo, Diomande, Wan‑Bissaka Top List of Stars Ready for AFCON Debut in Morocco

African football bursts back into life on Sunday evening in Rabat, as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicked off with hosts Morocco defeating Comoros.

Under the stadium lights, the continent’s attention turns once again to Africa’s premier competition, a stage where reputations are tested and new names are written into history.

While many players arrive with World Cup pedigree and elite European experience, several will be stepping onto AFCON’s unique stage for the very first time. From Premier League and Bundesliga regulars to emerging talents forged in African and European academies, these debutants are poised to shape the narrative of Morocco 2025.

Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo is one of the headline names. Already tested at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Mbeumo’s AFCON bow has been delayed rather than denied after injury ruled him out of the 2023 edition.

Now fit and 26, he carries the responsibility of the Indomitable Lions’ number 10 shirt, once worn by legends Patrick Mboma and Vincent Aboubakar.

For Côte d’Ivoire, Amad Diallo brings flair and expectation. The Manchester United winger has matured into a consistent performer, drawing comparisons with past Ivorian greats such as Gervinho and Arouna Dindane.

Alongside him, Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig offers tactical intelligence and versatility, adding depth to the Elephants’ midfield options.

Cameroon also welcome Carlos Baleba, whose rise at Brighton has been marked by power and composure. His energy in midfield is expected to be crucial in Morocco.

Senegal’s new generation is represented by Ibrahim Mbaye, a Paris Saint‑Germain talent whose athleticism and aggression have been sharpened in Ligue 1.

Morocco, meanwhile, look to Chemsdine Talbi, the Sunderland midfielder carrying the hopes of a home crowd.

Mali have Mamadou Sangare of RC Lens, a disciplined midfielder whose control and distribution could prove vital for the Eagles. South Africa’s Lyle Foster, now a key figure at Burnley, enters as Bafana Bafana’s attacking reference point, tasked with providing the cutting edge that has often eluded his nation at AFCON.

Completing the list is Aaron Wan‑Bissaka, the DR Congo defender whose Premier League experience at West Ham United adds authority and stability. His renowned one‑on‑one defending will be tested against Africa’s finest attackers.