The AFCON 2027 Qualifiers will begin on September 24 with established stars, but they will also provide opportunities for players hoping to secure a place in their senior national teams. The squads announced by Ivory Coast, Morocco and Nigeria feature several of the most interesting names from this emerging generation.
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The Young Stars Who Could Break Out in the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Yan Diomandé, Ayyoub Bouaddi and George Ilenikhena are part of a new generation of African footballers looking to establish themselves internationally. The opening squads also feature several potential senior debutants.
At 19, Yan Diomandé is already among Africa's most valuable footballers.
The winger joined Real Madrid after impressing at RB Leipzig and representing Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup.
Hervé Renard has now selected him for the matches against Ghana and Somalia, offering further opportunities to translate his development into senior international football.
Ayyoub Bouaddi — Morocco
Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, represents another important part of Morocco's emerging generation.
The midfielder moved from Lille to Manchester City after the World Cup and was included in Mohamed Ouahbi's first qualifying squad.
His presence increases competition in a midfield that also features Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss and Ismaël Saibari.
Abdellah Ouazane and Yassir Zabiri — Morocco
Ouahbi has also opened the door to two youngsters who have yet to make their senior international debuts.
Abdellah Ouazane, 17, developed at Ajax and received his first call-up for the matches against Gabon and Lesotho.
Yassir Zabiri, meanwhile, arrives after scoring six goals in his first six league appearances for Racing Santander, where he is on loan from Rennes.
Patrick Zabi — Ivory Coast
Patrick Zabi, a midfielder at Paris FC, is among the eight newcomers selected by Hervé Renard.
His inclusion is part of Ivory Coast's rebuilding process, with the squad retaining experienced internationals such as Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré.
George Ilenikhena — Nigeria
George Ilenikhena, a 20-year-old striker, has received his first call-up to the Super Eagles.
The injury to Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the opening international window, increases the importance of the attacking alternatives selected by Eric Chelle.
The qualifiers will therefore provide an opportunity for a new generation to begin building its own international story.
