After the electrifying conclusion of the Africa Cup of Countries (AFCON) earlier this yr, the level of interest has with out warning shifted to the qualifiers for the 2025 edition, living to unfold in Morocco.
The outlet rounds, performed out final weekend, bag already served up a feast of unexpected twists: Ghana suffered a shock dwelling defeat to Angola, Nigeria grappled with a stubborn Rwandan aspect, and South Africa indispensable a final-gasp equalizer to avert a loss against Uganda.
Amid these surprises, several avid gamers bag risen to the occasion, handing over performances that bag helped their teams and also captivated soccer followers staunch by the continent. Listed below are the ten avid gamers who bag been the shimmering stars of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers to this level.
Youssouf Yacoub M’Changama – Comoros
Comoros bag made a commendable launch to their qualifying go, securing spectacular attracts against Gambia and Madagascar, and positioning themselves 2nd in Community A within the encourage of Tunisia. Central to their success is the passe midfielder Youssouf Yacoub M’Changama.
At 34, the Troyes player has been pivotal, discovering the on-line in both suits. He opened the scoring within the 1-1 map with Gambia and struck the largest equalizer in one more 1-1 stalemate away at Madagascar. M’Changama’s skills and management are proving purposeful for Comoros’ aspirations.
Brahim Diaz – Morocco
Making a foremost influence after switching his world allegiance from Spain to Morocco, Brahim Diaz has hit the ground operating with the Atlas Lions. The True Madrid celebrity showcased his skills by scoring in Morocco’s commanding 4-1 accumulate over Gabon.
Demonstrating his knack for significant moments, Diaz also netted a dramatic 93rd-minute winner in a correct 1-0 victory against Lesotho.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Gabon
No matter being 35, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continues to defy age with stellar performances. The feeble Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund striker stays Gabon’s talisman, scoring in their heavy defeat to Morocco and changing an early penalty within the two-0 overcome the Central African Republic.
With 22 dreams in Forty five world appearances, Aubameyang’s skills and plan-scoring prowess are key sources for Gabon.
Louis Mafouta – Central African Republic
A beacon of hope for the Central African Republic’s ambitions of a first-ever AFCON qualification, Louis Mafouta has been distinctive. The Amiens SC forward, already his nation’s top scorer, netted a brace in their 3-1 victory over Lesotho. Even though he became as soon as contained within the match against Gabon, Mafouta’s create suggests he’ll be the largest resolve within the upcoming clashes with Morocco.
Amine Gouiri – Algeria
Worn France formative years world Amine Gouiri has fleet turn out to be a key player for Algeria. The Stade Rennais forward opened his fable by sealing a 2-0 accumulate over Equatorial Guinea off the bench.
He then impressed on his elephantine debut, scoring in a 3-0 accumulate against Liberia. Gouiri’s integration into the crew adds depth to Algeria’s attacking alternatives as they are attempting for a flawless qualification marketing campaign.
Yves Bissouma – Mali
Yves Bissouma, the dynamic Tottenham midfielder, ended a seven-yr plan drought for Mali with impactful performances. He scored a significant equalizer in a 1-1 map with Mozambique and delivered the winning plan in a narrow 1-0 victory over Eswatini. Bissouma’s contributions bag been instrumental in Mali’s proper launch, incomes them four facets from two suits.
Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trézéguet’ – Egypt
Egypt has kicked off their qualifiers in dominant vogue, netting seven dreams with out conceding. At the forefront is Mahmoud Hassan, identified as Trézéguet. The winger, who as soon as graced the Premier League with Aston Villa, became as soon as current within the 4-0 thrashing of Botswana, scoring twice.
With 21 dreams in 64 appearances, Trézéguet remains to be a linchpin in Egypt’s offensive lineup.
Thalente Mbatha – South Africa
Emerging as a grab player for South Africa, Thalente Mbatha has twice rescued his crew with final-minute heroics. He secured a 2-2 map against Uganda with a dramatic ninety fifth-minute equalizer and repeated the feat by scoring the decisive plan in a thrilling 3-2 accumulate over South Sudan.
Mbatha’s penchant for serious dreams underscores his importance to Bafana Bafana’s marketing campaign.
Ademola Lookman – Nigeria
Ademola Lookman has with out warning turn out to be a standout for the Big Eagles. The Atalanta forward became as soon as instrumental in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Benin, scoring twice.
Within the following 0-0 map with Rwanda, he had a plan controversially disallowed for offside. At 26, Lookman’s performances bag positioned him as a proper contender for African Footballer of the three hundred and sixty five days and a key player in Nigeria’s qualification efforts.
Jean-Philippe Krasso – Ivory Hump
Leading the attack for Ivory Hump, Jean-Philippe Krasso has been in prolific create, scoring three of the crew’s four dreams within the qualifiers.
The Paris FC striker bagged a brace within the two-0 accumulate over Zambia and opened the scoring in one more 2-0 victory against Chad. Krasso’s scientific ending is propelling the Elephants toward a a hit qualification marketing campaign.
