The CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2023 has ended, with Côte d’Ivoire winning the trophy in their capital city of Abidjan.
Several young players caught the eye at the tournament, which provided thrilling drama and several memorable matches.
The next important dates on the calendar will be June’s qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament in Paris during July and August. As we look ahead to the future, here are five players who could steal the spotlight in 2024:
Oumar Diakite (Côte d’Ivoire)
Diakite scored the backheeled last-gasp winner for Côte d’Ivoire in their AFCON quarter-final win over Mali, one of the tournament’s most unforgettable moments. The Reims attacker expressed that “That goal saw me bring joy and happiness to 30 million people in my country,” following the match.
Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco)
El Khannouss made his full debut in the play-off for third place during Morocco’s incredible Qatar 2022™ campaign. The Belgium-born midfielder played a start in Morocco’s first World Cup 26 qualifier, with the team later participating in the AFCON 2023 as well as winning the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations. He is set to represent the country on its Olympic stage.
Nene Dorgeles (Mali)
Nene Dorgeles aims to continue playing an essential role in Mali’s full international squad for their World Cup qualifiers while also eyeing a spot in the Olympics. The young Eagles, who qualified for Paris 2024 by beating Guinea in the third-place match at last year’s U-23 AFCON, may be called up for Paris 2024 from coach Alou Badra Diallo.
Lamine Camara (Senegal)
Camara, a midfielder for Metz, was the best player of the group stage and was voted as the best young player during the group stage. He is seen as a key player for Senegal’s World Cup 26 qualification campaign, and the country will face Congo DR and Mauritania in World Cup qualifiers in June.
Thapelo Maseko (South Africa)
Maseko scored a goal just five minutes after coming on as a substitute against Namibia in a 4-0 win at the AFCON but saw his tournament cut short by injury in their quarter-final win against Cabo Verde. Despite this, he was still voted player of the tournament at the African Football League with the Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023. South Africa, currently second in Group C, will face Nigeria and Zimbabwe in June.
