Group A
In African football, Morocco has been a leading force over recent years, reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 and winning the African Nations Championship in 2024.
That successful tournament, featuring players active in domestic leagues, contrasts with their star-filled senior squad, where Brahim Diaz stands out prominently.
After switching his allegiance from Spain in 2024, the Real Madrid player has become a regular starter, scoring seven goals in four AFCON qualifying matches. His threat up front is enhanced by the presence of Achraf Hakimi supporting him from behind, allowing the winger more space to use his dribbling skills to bypass defenders.
He will be a challenging opponent throughout the tournament, and playing in front of his home crowd, expect him to excel.
Mali’s Dorgeles Nene has had a winding journey through Europe, playing in Austria, Belgium, and now Turkey, where he shines for a formidable Fenerbahce side this season alongside players like Jhon Duran and Marco Asensio.
Besides his height and speed, his role on the right wing for the Turkish club stands out. He cuts inside to offer an option in the box and has also played on the left for his national team. A versatile threat across the attack, he could trouble defenses throughout the tournament.
Ranked 90th globally, Zambia’s squad lacks depth in talent, but striker Patson Daka is their standout player. Leading the line for the 2012 champions, the Leicester City forward has struggled to score in the last two seasons, netting only twice in league play since August 2024.
However, he has performed better for his country, scoring three goals in seven World Cup qualifiers this year, and will be counted on to provide offensive power.
Additionally, his contract with the Foxes expires this summer, so a strong performance in Morocco could be crucial to prove his ability on big stages.
Qualifying for the AFCON finals for only the second time, Comoros enters the tournament with high spirits. With a population under one million, this island nation has earned praise for its defensive strength, which secured their place in Morocco.
Rafiki Said makes an impact offensively, scoring important goals during qualifying as his team remained undefeated in six matches. At just 25, he is viewed as the team's future.
He already has eight goals in 17 caps for his country and is expected to increase those numbers in North Africa.
Group B
Teboho Mokoena marked his 50th cap during the recent international break and has become a central figure in the team’s core.
With experience in major matches, having played for club Mamelodi Sundowns at this year’s Club World Cup, the 28-year-old also contributed to South Africa’s third-place finish in the last AFCON, scoring in the semi-final versus Nigeria.
If South Africa is to overcome over 30 years of disappointment, Mokoena will need to deliver another outstanding tournament.
Similar to their neighbors Zambia, Zimbabwe must rely on their top European talent to advance deep into the tournament in Morocco.
One such player is Udinese left-back Jordan Zemura, who is beginning to show the consistency and form many anticipated during his time at Bournemouth, where he made 19 Premier League appearances.
For his national team, his creativity is his main weapon. Playing further forward on the left wing, he is an eager dribbler and can deliver dangerous set-pieces—can he help Zimbabwe reach the knockout stage for the first time ever?
While players like Omar Marmoush and star Mohamed Salah carry the hopes of Egypt, it may be their forward partner Trezeguet who steals the spotlight.
Since 2025, the 31-year-old has been in excellent form for his country, scoring nine goals in 15 matches. Previously, he had only 13 goals in 65 games. This turnaround suggests Egypt has found the right tactics, and despite a poor last AFCON, they will be tough opponents this time.
At 35, Fredy leads Angola into their second consecutive AFCON, aiming to surpass the quarter-finals for the first time ever.
In 2024, the team sought to 'prove people wrong' by reaching the last eight, but this time Fredy and his teammates face higher expectations.
A charismatic leader known for memorable quotes, the Bodrumspor midfielder is dynamic in the center of the pitch and has improved his goal-scoring, setting a personal league record this season before the year's end.
Though his national team goal tally is modest, this might be the veteran’s breakthrough moment.
Group C
Tanzania enters AFCON as a long shot, with bookmakers placing their odds at 200/1 to win. If they are to surprise fans in Morocco, Novatus Miroshi must perform well.
One of the few players based in Europe, Miroshi has had significant playing time this season for Goztepe in Turkey’s Super Lig, where the defensive midfielder has helped his team reach fourth place at the time of writing.
A tough tackler who thrives in duels, expect him to break up attacks before launching counters.
Is there any team entering the tournament under greater pressure than Nigeria? Missing out on the 2026 World Cup has left the Super Eagles needing an outstanding showing in Morocco to compensate.
Under this pressure, fresh faces may be the key to success. One such player is Christantus Uche. His rise from Spain’s non-league football to the Premier League with Crystal Palace has been rapid, now including three appearances for the national team.
Although he has struggled for playing time recently, his talent could make a significant impact at AFCON.
Having Premier League experience is a huge advantage for any AFCON national team, and Hannibal is certainly that asset for Tunisia.
The midfielder, formerly with Manchester United and now with Burnley, operates as a number 10, combining cleverness and determination to disrupt the opposition while delivering precise passes.
His modest tally of three goal contributions in four years does not reflect his creative influence, and he will be central to Tunisia’s success in the tournament.
After joining the Ugandan national team in 2025, Hibernian defender Jordan Obita is preparing for his first major tournament, aiming to keep clean sheets in a challenging group.
He is an experienced player in England’s lower leagues, having made his mark with Reading and Wycombe Wanderers. However, his fitness is uncertain after an ankle injury against Celtic on November 30th. If fit, he provides valuable balance to the defense and would be sorely missed if unavailable.
Group D
Senegal’s squad is full of talent and may have the strongest starting lineup of all teams, but Nicolas Jackson’s form could be vital to their success in North Africa.
Competing with the veteran Sadio Mane for a starting spot, Jackson has been a great complement to Harry Kane since joining Bayern Munich on loan in the summer.
Though he has spent some time on the bench at Allianz Arena, he has scored goals coming off it, giving Senegal valuable options. In a busy schedule, players like him are rare among the 24 teams, so his impact should be felt despite limited minutes.
Like Tanzania in Group C, Botswana is not expected to make a major impact at AFCON, but this could be a breakthrough tournament for Tumisang Orebonye.
Despite scoring only one goal in six qualifying matches, he earned a 7.3 Flashscore rating during that period, highlighting his importance beyond scoring.
He is also one of the few squad members playing outside southern Africa, bringing valuable experience to the Zebras in Morocco.
Chancel Mbemba may be the most experienced player in DR Congo’s squad. The 31-year-old, now with Lille in Ligue 1, has earned 101 caps for his country and is known for delivering in big moments, such as scoring the winning penalty against Nigeriato send DR Congo to the World Cup playoffs in March.
In AFCON qualifying, he led the defense to four clean sheets in six matches and poses a threat on set pieces, as demonstrated recently against Cameroon.
DR Congo could be considered a dark horse in the tournament, with Mbemba as the leader who might guide them to success.
Another player at Goztepe—an affiliate of Southampton —is Junior Olaitan.
At 23, the midfielder has 34 caps and five goals for Benin, and has played 12 matches in the Turkish Super Lig this season. A creative midfielder with four assists across AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, he is part of a young team progressing well together.
He is expected to play as a number 10 during the tournament, using his technical skills to break down defenses.
Group E
Star striker Mohamed Amoura has enjoyed a breakout year for Algeria, scoring 10 goals in 10 World Cup qualifiers in 2025—his best goals-per-game ratio yet—and adding four assists during that campaign.
At club level, he is also dangerous. Playing for Wolfsburg, he has scored four goals in 12 appearances so far and has demonstrated the ability to finish with both feet. His composure in one-on-one situations with goalkeepers makes him a constant threat. Defenses will be wary when he is on the pitch.
Saul Coco epitomizes consistency among Serie A defenders. Across 12 games this season for Torino , he holds a 7.1 Flashscore rating, which is above average for his position.
He was part of the inspiring national team that surprised many at the last AFCON, topping a group containing Nigeria and the Ivory Coast before exiting in the round of 16 against Guinea .
A combative centre-back, he must replicate his club-level consistency if his team hopes to advance further this time.
Among talismans, Edmond Tapsoba stands out. A mainstay at Bayer Leverkusen, the centre-back has been central to his team since debuting at 17.
His quality has attracted interest from Premier League clubs. Not only is he defensively strong, but he is also calm on the ball and has a knack for delivering incisive passes. Expect him to move into midfield to influence Burkina Faso’s chances in Group E.
Sudan may be one of the less favored teams in the tournament, but two good results against Ghana in qualification indicate they will be competitive.
They will depend on record national scorer Mohamed Abdelrahman to advance beyond the group stage. With 13 goals for his country and at 32 years old, this might be his last opportunity to leave a mark on the continental stage.
Group F
At only 21, Carlos Baleba is one of the youngest players featured here but may carry the highest transfer value. Over the summer, Manchester United were prepared to pay about Brighton & Hove Albion 100 million pounds for him and might return in January.
His talents are obvious: a driving midfielder with stamina ideal for tournament play, strong tackling, and a left foot capable of scoring from distance.
He will be vital if Cameroon hopes to win their first title since 2017.
Gabon - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Could this be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s final shot at glory? Now 36, he has been Gabon’s key player since 2010, scoring a national record 39 goals.
Gabon has never advanced past the quarter-finals; the last time they reached that stage was in 2012, when they lost to Mali after extra time.
Their strategy, unchanged for over a decade, is to feed Aubameyang and let him work his magic. However, with a tough group this time, he will need to perform exceptionally to help his nation achieve success.
After four strong seasons with Atletico Madrid, Reinildo transferred to Sunderland over the summer and has impressed as a right-back for the newly promoted side.
His skills also suit playing centre-back, which he does for Mozambique and likely will during AFCON.
He carries the hopes of his country on his shoulders. Having fought hard to reach the top from a young age, he aims to bring joy to his homeland during the tournament.
With only four caps before AFCON, Yan Diomande is a surprise pick as Ivory Coast’s player to watch. However, his performances for RB Leipzig suggest he will become well known by the tournament’s end.
The 19-year-old broke into the Bundesliga starting lineup in October, scoring in three consecutive starts. His strength is a key part of his game, easily shrugging off experienced defenders. His finishing is solid, scoring with both feet. Notably, he has effectively played on both wings, a great asset for his national team.
He already has two goals in four games for Ivory Coast; expect those numbers to rise during AFCON.
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