The imminent commencement of the 34th installment of the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations is just around the corner in Côte d’Ivoire.
As in previous editions, several teams have opted to incorporate youthful talents, offering them the chance to showcase their skills on the global stage.
Here is a list of five emerging players to keep an eye on during this competition:
Lamine Camara (Senegal): At a mere 20 years old, Lamine Camara has become a crucial figure for the French side Metz this season. With 17 appearances, one goal, and two assists, Camara made his mark. His notable performance for Senegal on 18 November 2023, against South Sudan in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers earned him the trust of coach Aliou Cisse.
Wilfried Nathan Douala (Cameroon): Born on 15 May, 2006, in Douala, Wilfried Nathan Douala emerged as a surprising inclusion in Rigobert Song’s roster for the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2023. Serving as a midfielder for Victoria United in Cameroon’s top division, the 17-year-old caught the coaching staff’s attention with his exceptional technical abilities and commendable league performances.
Karim Konaté (Côte d’Ivoire): Approximately a year and a half ago, in June 2022, Karim Konaté made headlines with his transfer from ASEC Mimosas to RB Salzburg. After an outstanding season with the Ivorian club, the 19-year-old forward garnered interest from top clubs worldwide. Born on 21 March2004, Konaté continues to impress and is poised to be a captivating figure for Ivorian fans during this home-hosted CAN.
Ernest Nuamah (Ghana): With 14 appearances in Ligue 1 for Olympique Lyonnais this season, the 20-year-old Ernest Nuamah plays a pivotal role in the team’s setup. Acquired for €25 million from Nordsjaelland by Molenbeek before joining Lyon, the young winger has made an immediate impact, contributing with a goal and an assist in the league. Having earned his first cap for the Black Stars in June 2023, Nuamah’s dynamic play is expected to bring more flair to the already formidable attacking lineup.
Michael Amir Richardson Junior (Morocco – 21 years): Joining Stade de Reims this season from Le Havre, 21-year-old Amir Richardson has had an almost flawless start to the season personally. Standing tall at 6’5″, the midfielder’s influence on Reims’ play is evident through his impressive statistics, including three goals in 14 matches. This performance secured him a spot among Walid Regragui’s 27-man squad, making him one of the surprising inclusions
