The 2023 AFCON competition is set to begin and all the best African footballers will converge in Ivory Coast for Africa’s biggest football extravaganza. Top players from different top leagues usually lead their national teams as they fight for bragging rights in the continent. On the other hand, young players also get the opportunity to introduce themselves to world football fans. This article looks at notable national debuts that will grace the AFCON 2023.
Yankuba Minteh
Country: Gambia
Club: Feyenoord (on loan from Newcastle)
Gambian budding star has emerged as one of the most exciting wingers. His playing style has earned him high praise, with some nicknaming him “Messi.” If you’ll be wagering on the AFCON events, this is a player you should watch. Wagering fans should also check the betnaija login process to help them get started with their AFCON wagering.
Minteh moved to Newcastle from Danish side Odense BK for 8 million Euros. However, Newcastle loaned him to Feyenoord, where he has already recorded four goals and provided two assists in 18 games in all competitions.
He debuted in a qualifier match in October 2023 when he came off the bench and scored in Gambia’s 2-2 draw against DR Congo. He is expected to impress during his debut on Africa’s biggest football stage.
Simon Adingira
Country: Ivory Coast
Club: Brighton
Simon Adingira is among the most talented Ivorian youngsters representing the nation at the AFCON 2023. He has continued to impress each week in his performances for Brighton. Adingira has scored five goals and provided three assists in all competitions for De Zebri’s men.
The impressive youngster has already played five games for Ivory Coast, and the host nation fans will be hoping to see the best of Adingira during his debut AFCON competition.
Fares Chaibi
Country: Algeria
Club: Eintracht Frankfurt
Fares Chaibi is among the young Algerian ballers taking over from the old guard. He is a creative midfielder who has impressed football fans with his performances for Eintracht Frankfurt. The Algerian youngster has scored two goals and provided nine assists in the 22 games he has played since moving to Germany.
He has also featured eight times for Algeria and scored two goals. African football pundits suggest he will be a key player for Algeria as they face Angola, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso in the AFCON Group Stage D matches. Chiabi is a skillful number 10 who glides past players effortlessly and sets up his teammates to score goals thanks to his passing and vision.
Ousmane Diomande
Country: Ivory Coast
Club: Sporting Lisbon
Ousmane Diomande has attracted the attention of multiple European clubs thanks to his impressive performances for Sporting Lisbon. He is playing his first full season in the Portuguese top-flight league, where he has played 20 matches and scored two goals.
He recently got his first national call-up and has three caps. Ivorian football fans hope that the young center-back can replicate his club form during the tournament to help them win the cup on home soil.
Final Thoughts
The AFCON is an excellent stage for emerging football stars to showcase their talents. It also offers club scouting networks to discover the next big thing and lure them to their respective clubs. In this sense, African football fans should expect to see youngsters like Simon Adingira lighting up the competition. Do you have a favorite star you’re looking forward to seeing their debut?
