The 35th Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco on 21 December and ends in Rabat on 18 January.

The hosts are hoping to win the trophy for the first time since 1976. Mohamed Salah can focus on winning Egypt’s first title since 2010, ignoring his Liverpool future.

Six players are profiled by SPORTS TRIBUNE, amongst a variety of big names.

Victor Osimhem (striker, Nigeria)

Nigeria’s success seems linked to the Galatasaray striker’s form.

The Super Eagles only took four points from a possible 15 when the 26-year-old was absent during their ultimately unsuccessful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Osimhen is pivotal to the side’s play under boss Eric Chelle, and Nigeria lost their way in their World Cup play-off against DR Congo when he was forced off at half-time.

Described by team-mate Frank Onyeka as being “on another level”, Osimhen’s form will be crucial if Nigeria is to improve on their runners-up finish last time out in the Ivory Coast.

The three-time winners begin their quest for a fourth title against Tanzania in Group C, with further games against Uganda and 2004 champions Tunisia.

Ibrahim Mbaye (forward, Senegal)

Sadio Mane remains the talisman for the winners of the 2021 Afcon, while Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr are the current Premier League stars who help form a formidable attacking trio.

But the footballing world may see a glimpse of a future Teranga Lions star in the shape of Ibrahim Mbaye in Group D against Botswana, DR Congo, and Benin.

A former France youth international, the teenager is being eased into senior action by Paris St-Germain this season, starting the Champions League win over Barcelona after beginning the campaign with a substitute cameo in their European Super Cup win over Tottenham.

Mbaye made his Senegal debut against Brazil last month, and days later became the country’s youngest ever goalscorer at the age of 17 years and 298 days when he netted in the 8-0 route of Kenya.

Azzedine Ounahi (midfielder, Morocco)

Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi is racing to be fit for the finals, so the hosts may need inspiration.

Seven goals made Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz the top scorer in qualifying, yet many Moroccans are hoping for a standout performance from Azzedine Ounahi, the Atlas Lions’ midfield orchestrator.

After excelling at the 2022 World Cup, Ounahi’s time at Marseille was disappointing.

Nevertheless, the 25-year-old has been playing some of his best football since joining Girona in La Liga in August.

With Yassine Bonou and Youssef En-Nesyri, the continent’s top goalkeeper and an experienced striker, respectively, Morocco has many leaders, but could Ounahi step up if Hakimi is out, given they face Comoros, Mali, and Zambia in Group A?

Mohamed Amoura (striker, Algeria)

Mohamed Amoura’s year has been defined by his role as Africa’s top scorer in World Cup qualifying, 2025.

The Wolfsburg striker has scored 11 times in eight international games since March, with a hat-trick against Mozambique.

That excellent performance has made the 25-year-old the top pick for Les Verts.

Mahrez remains key for the 2019 winners, and he has a good connection with his teammate.

Despite her height of 5’7″, Amoura is a threat in the air, and Group E rivals Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea should be mindful.

Rogers Mato (forward, Uganda)

The Cranes are back in Afcon for the first time since 2019, where they left in the last 16, and they are working towards hosting the 2027 finals.

Algeria won the World Cup qualifying group, followed by Paul Put’s side, with Rogers Mato as their joint-top scorer with three goals.

The 22-year-old left winger scored twice in September’s win against Mozambique, and he’s been performing very well for his club, Vardar, in the North Macedonian league.

Uganda’s group includes Nigeria, Tunisia, and a match against Tanzania.

The Cranes’ fate will hinge on their performance, and Mato might be key to them reaching the knockout stage.

Reinildo (defender, Mozambique)

Mozambique’s journey to North Africa marks their first knockout stage appearance in five tries at Afcon.

However, they now have a Premier League player for the first time, Reinildo, being the first Mozambican to play in the English top flight when he joined Sunderland from Atletico Madrid in July.

The 31-year-old, playing left-back, has helped the promoted Black Cats start strong, and Tico Tico sees him as a key player for the Mambas.

He is very courageous, he unites everyone, and he demonstrates the determination that helps the team succeed, he told the media.

Reinildo and Mozambique must play their best against the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Gabon in Group F to make history.