As the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draws near, the football world looks to unearth the next generation of talent set to grace the pitch in Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11. A wave of young players is poised to make their mark on the continental stage, and here are the top 10 emerging stars to keep an eye on at AFCON 2023.
Ousmane Diomande (Côte d’Ivoire):
At just 20 years old, the central defender has already made a significant impact at Sporting Lisbon with remarkable performances, showcasing stability in the Ivorian defense and a penchant for scoring crucial goals.
Karim Konate (Côte d’Ivoire):
The 19-year-old Red Bull Salzburg striker has been in scintillating form in the Austrian Bundesliga, making a quick impact on the senior national team and proving himself as a versatile attacking threat.
Hugo Buyla (Equatorial Guinea):
Despite his young age of 18, Buyla, currently on loan at Sampdoria from Atalanta, has demonstrated astute defensive prowess and promises to use AFCON as a launchpad for his burgeoning career.
Franculino Dju (Guinea Bissau):
A rising sensation at FC Midtjylland in the Danish Superligaen, Dju, at just 19, has been a revelation with his goal-scoring exploits, adding a potent attacking edge to Guinea Bissau’s lineup.
Ernest Nuamah (Ghana):
The 20-year-old Lyon winger, hailed for his exceptional left foot, has already left a lasting impression in Denmark and is poised to dazzle on the AFCON stage with his individual brilliance.
Lamine Camara (Senegal):
Playing in France’s Ligue 1 for Metz, the 20-year-old central midfielder possesses the skill set to influence games for Senegal, aiming to play a pivotal role in their quest to retain the title.
Ilaix Moriba (Guinea):
Having made the switch from Spain to represent Guinea, the 20-year-old midfielder brings a wealth of experience from his time at RB Leipzig and FC Barcelona, offering versatility and dynamism in midfield.
Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal):
As the 21-year-old continues to shine for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, his impact in midfield is set to make him one of the standout young players of AFCON 2023.
Zito Luvombo (Angola):
With a burgeoning career at Italy’s Cagliari and significant experience in Angola’s youth setup, the 21-year-old promises to spearhead his nation’s campaign at AFCON.
Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco):
A young talent making waves in Belgium’s Genk, Khannouss, at just 19 years old, embraces his Moroccan heritage and brings flair to the midfield, adding depth to Morocco’s squad.
Keep an eye on these young stars as they embark on their AFCON journey, each poised to showcase their skills and leave an indelible mark on the continent’s grandest football stage.
