Forty-eight African nations will begin their journey towards the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027, with the group stage of the qualifiers kicking off on Thursday, September 24.
Matchday One will feature 24 matches across 12 groups from Thursday to Saturday.
One of the standout fixtures is the Group C clash between 2023 champions Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana in Bouaké on Thursday. Other notable matches include Morocco against Gabon, Egypt versus Angola and Algeria hosting Zambia.
With the road to the 24-team finals officially underway, here are some of the biggest names and emerging talents to watch throughout the qualifying campaign.
Mohamed Salah — Egypt
Egypt’s talisman remains one of the biggest names in African football.
Salah, who turned 34 on June 15, 2026, has 121 international caps and 68 goals for the Pharaohs. He made his senior debut in 2011 and remains a central figure for Egypt alongside Omar Marmoush.
The forward has twice helped Egypt reach the AFCON final, in 2017 and 2021, and continues to be one of the continent’s most influential attacking players.
Achraf Hakimi — Morocco
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi remains one of Africa’s most recognisable defenders.
The Paris Saint-Germain right-back has 102 caps and 12 international goals, having made his debut in October 2016 at just 17.
Hakimi has featured at the 2018, 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups and was part of Morocco’s AFCON-winning squad in 2025.
His leadership and attacking quality from the right flank will be important as Morocco begin their Group A campaign against Gabon.
Victor Osimhen — Nigeria
Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria’s primary attacking reference point, although he will miss the opening qualifying window through injury.
The 27-year-old has scored 35 goals in 52 appearances for the Super Eagles and is second on Nigeria’s all-time scoring list behind the legendary Rashidi Yekini, who scored 37.
Nigeria begin their Group L campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before facing Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Ademola Lookman — Nigeria
With Osimhen unavailable, more responsibility could fall on Ademola Lookman.
The forward has established himself as an important attacking option for Nigeria and brings goals, creativity and versatility to the Super Eagles’ attack.
His partnership with Osimhen has been an important part of Nigeria’s attacking threat when both players are available.
Brahim Díaz — Morocco
Brahim Díaz has become an important attacking figure for Morocco since switching his international allegiance from Spain.
The creative forward brings technical quality and an ability to operate between the lines, making him one of the players to watch as the Atlas Lions begin their qualifying campaign.
Serhou Guirassy — Guinea
Guinea will look to Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy for goals as they begin their Group D campaign.
The experienced forward has become one of Guinea’s main attacking outlets and will be central to their hopes of navigating a group that also includes South Africa, Kenya and Eritrea.
Omar Marmoush — Egypt
Omar Marmoush provides Egypt with another dynamic attacking option alongside Salah.
The forward has established himself as a regular for the Pharaohs and offers pace, movement and goals in the final third.
His combination with Salah will be one of the attacking partnerships to watch when Egypt face Angola in their opening Group B fixture.
Yan Diomandé — Côte d’Ivoire
At just 19, Yan Diomandé is already attracting significant attention.
The Ivorian forward completed a move to Real Madrid in August 2026 after previously playing for RB Leipzig and Leganés. He has already featured for Real Madrid’s first team this season. (Real Madrid)
Diomandé represents part of a new generation of Ivorian talent and will be one of the young players to watch when the Elephants face Ghana in Bouaké.
Ayyoub Bouaddi — Morocco
Morocco’s emerging generation also includes Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old midfielder completed a move from Lille to Manchester City in August 2026 after establishing himself at club level and impressing for Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bouaddi already has eight senior caps and has been identified as one of the promising young midfielders in African football.
Other talents to watch
There are several other players who could make their mark during the qualifiers.
Cameroon will look to Bryan Mbeumo for attacking inspiration in Group G, while Burkina Faso’s Dango Ouattara and Mali’s El Bilal Touré remain players capable of making a difference in the final third.
Morocco also have a number of emerging talents who could attract attention as the qualifying campaign progresses.
With six matchdays to be played across the qualifying campaign, there will be plenty of opportunities for established stars and emerging talents to make their mark on the road to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The 2027 AFCON will be staged from June 19 to July 17, with the tournament returning to East Africa for the first time in more than five decades. (Confédération Africaine de Football)
🎥 “There’s no Plan B or C. We will help Tanzania host the 2027 AFCON. There are too many negative media comments. I’m confident that when I come back in January, they will be ready.” — CAF President Patrice Motsepe.#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/aYKOm5Hv0N
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) September 17, 2026
