CAF: Five Stars from African Clubs to Shine at AFCON 2025

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Africa’s biggest football event. More players from CAF interclub competitions are set to shine in Morocco (Dec 21, 2025 – Jan 18, 2026). CAFOnline picks five key players to watch.

ISSOUFOU DAYO (RS BERKANE & BURKINA FASO)

A veteran defender, Issoufou Dayo is set for his fourth AFCON. The 33-year-old has been key for RS Berkane, winning two CAF Confederation Cups (2020, 2022). He has 72 caps and 9 goals for Burkina Faso.

TEBOHO MOKOENA (MAMELODI SUNDOWNS & SOUTH AFRICA)

South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena impressed at AFCON 2023, scoring a stunning free-kick against Morocco. The 28-year-old midfielder has helped Mamelodi Sundowns top the South African league and reach the CAF Champions League quarter-finals.

AMANALLAH MEMMICHE (ESPERANCE DE TUNIS & TUNISIA)

At just 20 years old, Amanallah Memmiche is Tunisia’s rising star. The Esperance de Tunis goalkeeper led his club to the CAF Champions League final and will play in the FIFA Club World Cup before his first AFCON.

DJIGUI DIARRA (YOUNG AFRICANS & MALI)

Mali’s Djigui Diarra (29 years old) is set for his fifth AFCON. A three-time Tanzanian league champion, he was crucial in Young Africans’ CAF Confederation Cup final run (2023). He has 65 international caps.

FISTON MAYELE (PYRAMIDS FC & DR CONGO)

Fiston Mayele, a 30-year-old striker for Pyramids FC, with four goals in the CAF Champions League. Aiming for another major tournament, he assisted DR Congo in finishing fourth in AFCON 2023.

These five stars from CAF interclub competitions are ready to shine at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.