The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has reached the quarter-finals, featuring powerhouse clashes like Morocco vs Cameroon (Friday), Mali vs Senegal (Friday), Algeria vs Nigeria (Saturday), and Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire (Saturday). Here are five players making their first AFCON appearance who have shone brightly so far:
- Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid / Morocco) The 26-year-old has been Morocco’s breakout star on home soil. After switching from Spain (where he earned one cap in 2021) to Morocco in 2024, Díaz has scored in every match—four goals total—making him the tournament’s top scorer. His crucial winner against Tanzania secured the hosts’ quarter-final spot. He’ll be key against Cameroon.
- Christian Kofane (Bayer Leverkusen / Cameroon) At just 19, the Douala-born forward has emerged as a revelation for the Indomitable Lions. After joining Leverkusen from Spain’s second division last summer, Kofane scored vital goals against Mozambique and South Africa (2-1 in the last 16). His pace and finishing have injected excitement into Cameroon’s attack amid off-field challenges.
- Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain / Senegal) The 17-year-old PSG winger, who switched from France youth teams to Senegal (his father’s homeland), has made a huge impact off the bench. Mbaye assisted in group wins and scored in the 3-1 last-16 victory over Sudan, becoming one of the youngest goalscorers in AFCON history. He adds flair alongside stars like Sadio Mané ahead of the Mali clash.
- Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen / Algeria) Nicknamed “Mazadona,” the 20-year-old Berlin-born attacking midfielder chose Algeria (via heritage) over Germany in late 2024. After a €12m move to Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin, Maza has dazzled—scoring twice in the groups, earning Man of the Match, and thriving behind the striker. A rising star as Algeria face Nigeria.
- Akor Adams (Sevilla / Nigeria) The powerful 25-year-old striker, who joined Sevilla from Montpellier last year, earned his first Nigeria call-up in October 2025. Adams scored on debut in qualifiers and starred in the 4-0 last-16 rout of Mozambique (one goal, one assist), complementing Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman perfectly. Note: He briefly left camp for personal reasons but has been pivotal.
These young talents are lighting up the tournament—watch for more magic in the quarters!
