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10 young stars who could break out on the road to AFCON 2027
The qualifiers begin with 48 nations in the race and a new generation ready to step into the spotlight. From a 17-year-old Ajax prospect to a World Cup goalscorer, these are the names to watch.
The qualifiers for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 get underway on Thursday, with 48 nations beginning their journey toward the finals.
The period following a FIFA World Cup often provides an opportunity for national teams to refresh their squads, and this qualifying campaign is no exception. A number of exciting young players have been brought into their national teams ahead of the opening matches.
Some have already made an impact at senior international level, while others are looking for their first major opportunity. Here are 10 young players to watch during matchdays 1 and 2.
Abdellah Ouazane | Ajax and Morocco
At just 17 years old, Abdellah Ouazane is one of the most exciting products of Morocco's flourishing youth system.
The attacking midfielder was named Player of the Tournament as the Atlas Lions won the 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Born in Amsterdam, Ouazane combines close control with an ability to dictate the tempo of games. His performances for Ajax have earned him his first senior Morocco call-up under Mohamed Ouahbi for the qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho.
Ibrahim Mbaye | Aston Villa and Senegal
Ibrahim Mbaye is already a World Cup goalscorer at just 18 years old.
The winger found the net against France at the 2026 tournament before completing a September move from Paris Saint-Germain to Aston Villa.
Mbaye became PSG's youngest-ever Ligue 1 starter at 16 and left Paris after collecting eight trophies.
With Sadio Mané absent from Patrick Vieira's first Senegal squad, the teenager has an opportunity to take on greater attacking responsibility.
Patrick Zabi | Paris FC and Côte d'Ivoire
Nicknamed “Zabi La Magie” because of his technical ability, Patrick Zabi is another talent hoping to take advantage of the qualifying campaign.
The 19-year-old midfielder joined Paris FC from Reims in the summer of 2026 following a rapid rise through French soccer.
Zabi turns 20 on September 24, the same day Côte d'Ivoire opens its qualifying campaign against Ghana.
He is one of eight newcomers in Hervé Renard's first squad since returning as coach.
George Ilenikhena | Al-Ittihad and Nigeria
At 20, George Ilenikhena already has a remarkable Champions League distinction: he has scored winning goals against Barcelona for two different clubs.
He first did it with Royal Antwerp in 2023 before repeating the feat with Monaco in 2024.
The Lagos-born striker moved to Saudi Arabia in February 2026 and has now earned his first Nigeria call-up.
With Victor Osimhen unavailable through injury, Ilenikhena could have an early opportunity to impress in the qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Puso Dithejane | Chicago Fire and South Africa
The 22-year-old winger Puso Dithejane has taken his career to Chicago Fire in MLS and has been called up by new South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane.
The former TS Galaxy attacker has impressed with his direct running, versatility across attacking positions and goalscoring instincts.
South Africa begins its qualifying campaign against Guinea and Eritrea, giving Dithejane an opportunity to establish himself as an intriguing option for Bafana Bafana.
Christian Kofane | Bayer Leverkusen and Cameroon
Christian Kofane, 20, has made rapid progress since joining Bayer Leverkusen from Spanish second-tier side Albacete in 2025.
The powerful center forward scored five Bundesliga goals and provided four assists during his first season in Germany before adding another two league goals at the start of the new campaign.
Kofane has been included in Cameroon's youthful squad for matches against Comoros and Congo.
Caleb Yirenkyi | Coventry City and Ghana
A graduate of Ghana's Right to Dream Academy, Caleb Yirenkyi completed a club-record move from FC Nordsjælland to Coventry City in August 2026.
The 20-year-old midfielder was named the 2025/26 Danish Superliga Young Player of the Year, showcasing his versatility both in central midfield and as part of a three-man defense.
Already part of Ghana's World Cup squad, Yirenkyi remains in Carlos Queiroz's plans as the Black Stars prepare to face Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
Noah Sadiki | Sunderland and DR Congo
At 21, Noah Sadiki has already established himself in the Premier League.
The midfielder made 33 league appearances for Sunderland last season and started each of their opening five fixtures of the 2026/27 campaign.
His ball-winning ability, mobility and composure have made him an important member of DR Congo's new generation. Sébastien Desabre has selected him for the qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe.
Ibrahim Maza | Bayer Leverkusen and Algeria
Born in Berlin, Ibrahim Maza represented Germany at youth level before choosing to play for Algeria.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder moved from Hertha Berlin to Bayer Leverkusen in 2025 and has started all four of the club's Bundesliga matches this season.
With Riyad Mahrez retired from international soccer, Maza is among the creative talents who could help shape Algeria's next generation.
Ryan Ogam | RFC Liège and Kenya
Ryan Ogam already knows what it means to become a national hero.
The 21-year-old striker scored the winning goals in Kenya's victories over Morocco and Zambia at the 2025 African Nations Championship, helping the Harambee Stars reach the quarterfinals on their tournament debut.
After scoring 15 goals in 17 Kenyan league appearances for Tusker, Ogam moved to Austria and is now playing on loan in Belgium.
With Kenya preparing to co-host AFCON 2027, the qualifiers provide another opportunity for Ogam to strengthen his case for a regular starting role.
Key takeaways
- The AFCON 2027 qualifiers begin with 48 nations competing for a place in the finals.
- Abdellah Ouazane, Ibrahim Mbaye and George Ilenikhena are among the young players entering the opening matchdays with major opportunities at senior international level.
- The opening qualifiers could mark the beginning of a new chapter for several of Africa's emerging talents following the 2026 World Cup.
