Top seven best youngsters to watch out for at AFCON 2023

Glimpse into the Future of African Football at AFCON 2023

As the African football extravaganza, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, is just around the corner, fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating the emergence of young talents who could make a significant impact on the tournament. In this article, we delve into the top seven young stars who are poised to capture the spotlight in Ivory Coast.

 7. Rayan Ait-Nouri (Algeria, 22)

Kicking off our list is the Algerian sensation, Rayan Ait-Nouri. At just 22 years old, Ait-Nouri played a crucial role in Algeria’s smooth qualification for AFCON 2023. After a disappointing group-stage exit in 2022, Algeria is hungry for redemption, and Ait-Nouri aims to be a key figure in their campaign. With his contributions in the qualifiers, this promising youngster is set to make waves on the continental stage.

 6. Alhassan Yusuf (Nigeria, 23)

Stepping into the spotlight at number six is the uncapped Nigerian talent, Alhassan Yusuf. Aged 23, Yusuf has been named as the replacement for Wilfred Ndidi in Nigeria‘s squad. Despite lacking international caps, Yusuf’s pivotal role in Royal Antwerp’s Belgian league title triumph last season speaks volumes. With Champions League experience under his belt, Yusuf brings a wealth of skill and determination to the Nigerian midfield.

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 5. Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal, 21)

At number five, we have the 21-year-old Senegalese midfielder, Pape Matar Sarr. Despite a recent hamstring scare, Sarr has been deemed fit to compete for Senegal in AFCON 2023. Having signed a contract until 2030 with Tottenham, Sarr’s journey from club success to international prominence is one to watch. As he travels to Ivory Coast to join the Senegal squad, expectations are high for this young talent to shine on the grand stage.

 4. Nathan Douala (Cameroon, 17)

In a surprising inclusion, 17-year-old Wilfried Nathan Douala takes the fourth spot on our list. Douala has received his first-ever call-up to the senior Cameroon national team, adding a youthful flair to the squad. With manager Rigobert Song placing his trust in the rising star, Douala’s performance in AFCON 2023 could be a defining moment in his burgeoning career.

 3. David Datro Fofana (Ivory Coast, 21)

Capturing the third spot is Ivory Coast‘s 21-year-old forward, David Datro Fofana. Playing for Bundesliga club Union Berlin on loan from Premier League giant Chelsea, Fofana’s journey to the top has been nothing short of impressive. As he dons the national colours, Fofana’s international debut in 2019 and subsequent captaincy of the U23 national team highlight his growing influence. Ivory Coast will be banking on Fofana’s prowess to lead them to success.

 2. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana, 23)

In the runner-up position is Ghana‘s 23-year-old forward, Mohammed Kudus. Set to represent West Ham United, Kudus aims to erase the memories of Ghana’s 2021 group-stage exit. As the top scorer in the Nations Cup qualifiers and a standout performer in the 2022 World Cup finals, Kudus carries the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. His mission is clear: to propel Ghana back to the summit of African football.

 1. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco, 23)

Claiming the top spot on our list is the 23-year-old Moroccan midfielder, Azzedine Ounahi. A standout performer at the 2022 World Cup, Ounahi’s box-to-box displays earned him a move to Marseille. Despite a broken toe disrupting his season, Ounahi remains a pivotal player for the Atlas Lions. As he looks to replicate his past successes, all eyes will be on Ounahi to deliver stellar performances and guide Morocco to AFCON glory.

AFCON 2023 promises to be a platform for these seven young talents to showcase their skills, determination, and potential. From midfield dynamos to goal-scoring prodigies, these players embody the future of African football. As the tournament unfolds in Ivory Coast, football enthusiasts can expect a captivating spectacle as these young stars aim to leave an indelible mark on the continent’s premier football competition.

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