AFCON 2025: Five football 'big guns' ready to ignite in Morocco

With 24 teams vying for glory across six host cities, Agadir, Casablanca, Fes, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Tangier, the tournament promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent in nine state-of-the-art stadiums.

Here, we highlight five players who are poised to leave an indelible mark on the showpiece event.

1. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): The Atlas Lions' Electrifying Captain

Recently crowned the 2025 African Player of the Year, Achraf Hakimi (27) is set to lead the hosts, Morocco, in their quest for a first-ever AFCON title on home soil. The Paris Saint-Germain speedster is a vital player for both club and country.

Hakimi has been a reliable performer this season (2025-26), contributing 2 goals and 3 assists in 14 appearances across all competitions. However, a major current challenge is his fitness; he is currently recovering from an ankle injury suffered in November and is in a race against time to be fully fit for the tournament opener.

As Morocco rides the wave of their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final heroics, a fit Hakimi's blistering pace, defensive solidity, and precise crosses will be pivotal. The Atlas Lions will open their campaign against Comoros, with Mali and Zambia also in their challenging Group A.

2. Mohamed Salah (Egypt): The Pharaohs' Timeless Talisman

Mohamed Salah (33) remains a force of nature for both Liverpool and Egypt, entering his sixth AFCON with unfinished business after two runner-up finishes with the national team.

The forward has maintained his elite status this season (2025-26), notching 7 goals and 4 assists in 17 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool. As Egypt's all-time leading scorer with 59 international goals, his clinical finishing and leadership will be crucial for the seven-time champions in their quest for a record-extending eighth crown.

The Pharaohs face a significant challenge, having been drawn into a tough Group A alongside the hosts Morocco, Mali, and Comoros. Salah's experience and world-class ability will be pivotal in navigating a difficult group stage.

3. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): The Super Eagles' Relentless Marksman

Victor Osimhen (26), who made a permanent move to Galatasaray in the summer of 2025 after a successful stint with Napoli, arrives as one of Africa's most feared strikers, eager to conquer the continental stage.

Osimhen has been effective this season, firing in 11 goals and 3 assists in 14 appearances across all competitions for his new club. While currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained in early November, his hold-up play, blistering pace, aerial dominance, and sharp instincts will be essential for Nigeria's bid to end a decade-long title drought. His international goal tally for the Super Eagles stands at 31 goals.

Nigeria has been drawn into a competitive Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, where Osimhen's goal-scoring ability will be a central part of their strategy.

4. Yves Bissouma (Mali): The Eagles' Midfield Maestro

Yves Bissouma (29), recently voted the Malian Player of the Year, is a crucial figure in the heart of Mali's midfield as they chase their first-ever AFCON title. The Tottenham Hotspur defensive midfielder brings experience from the English Premier League and a commanding presence on the pitch.

Bissouma is known for his strong tackling, excellent positional sense, and ability to launch attacks from deep. However, his current season has been affected by a recent ankle injury, and his participation in the opening matches for Mali is currently pending.

His form and fitness will be critical for Mali, who are in Group A with hosts Morocco, Zambia, and Comoros. If fit, his control and distribution will be vital in helping Mali navigate the group stages and aim for a deep run in the tournament.

5. Ronwen Williams (South Africa): Bafana Bafana's Impenetrable Guardian

Ronwen Williams (33), the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper and reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year, is returning to the AFCON stage after his penalty-saving heroics secured the bronze medal for South Africa at the previous tournament in early 2024.

Williams remains in exceptional form for his club, Mamelodi Sundowns, where he has kept 11 clean sheets in 19 appearances across all competitions this season (2025-26). His lightning reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and composure under pressure are key assets for Bafana Bafana.

Drawn in a tough Group B alongside seven-time champions Egypt, Angola, and one final team yet to be determined by the final qualifier, Williams' experience and penalty-stopping ability in high-stakes moments will be vital to South Africa's ambition of a maiden final appearance.

As the AFCON 2025 unfolds, these football maestros are set to deliver a thrilling spectacle, weaving their magic on the pitch and etching their names into the tournament's storied history.

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