Youngster's to keep an eye on at AFCON 2024

Africa's biggest footballing extravaganza is about to start. So let's look at some youngsters you have to keep an eye on this AFCON, which will be held in Ivory Coast this time around.

1. Lamine Camara (Senegal)

Named the African Young Player of the Year in 2023, Camara is an industrious box-to-box midfielder with outstanding stamina and work ethic. But the 20-year-old Metz midfielder is not just about industry, graft or determination: in late October he scored one of the Ligue 1 goals of the season as he spotted the Monaco goalkeeper off his line and spectacularly took on a shot from inside his own half.

Lamine Camara plays a pivotal role for French side Metz this season, contributing with 17 appearances, one goal, and two assists.

2.Ousmane Diomande (Ivory Coast)

As far as in-demand centre-backs go, Ousmane Diomande is one of the hottest properties in Europe at the moment, with many of the continent’s biggest clubs apparently keen on the Sporting CP defender.

A fine physical specimen, quick and agile for his build, and a graceful ball-playing defender, Diomande has almost everything the modern centre-back needs and has only just turned 20.

Diomande has mostly featured on the right side of a back three for Sporting and he plays an important role in getting the team on the front foot with his positive mentality. And will try to help Ivory Coast go all the way to the title in their home conditions.

3. Ernest Nuamah (Ghana)

With 14 appearances this season in Ligue 1 for Olympique Lyonnais, 20-year-old Ernest Nuamah plays a crucial role in the team's setup. Acquired for €25 million from Nordsjaelland by Molenbeek before being sent to Lyon, the young winger has made an immediate impact, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the league. He earned his first cap for the Black Stars in June 2023, and his dynamic play is expected to add more flair to the already formidable attacking lineup.

4. Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco)

El Khannouss is a creative and technically gifted central midfielder who is capable of playing deeper or as a number 10. Just as comfortable running with the ball as he is picking out defence-splitting passes, the 19-year-old already looks like a gem and is having a big impact on the Belgian Pro League this season.

Only four players have created more chances in open play than his 34 and he also ranks as high as joint-third for secondary chances created (23) – essentially the pass to a player who creates an opportunity – highlighting El Khannouss’ ability to be influential both in build-up and the final third.

Bilal would like to make a positive impact on this Moroccan team who would like to build on that brilliant World Cup Success.

5. Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)

The central midfielder who joined Tottenham from Metz in 2021 is now beginning to emerge as one of the most exciting in his position in the Premier League.

He picked up a slight hamstring strain against Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve but has been passed fit to feature for Senegal.

Coach Aliou Cissé will hope to have him available from the start of the tournament, as none of the teams in Group C—Cameroon, Guinea, and Gambia—can be taken lightly.

He offers two-way quality in midfield from box to box, bringing an attacking threat and drive as well as proactive defensive play that will upset the opposition.