The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will provide a platform for a new generation of African footballers looking to make the jump from promising prospects to established internationals.
For some, a breakthrough with their national team could also increase their visibility in the transfer market and attract interest from clubs across Europe.
Here are five young players to watch.
Abdellah Ouazane — Morocco
At 17, Abdellah Ouazane is already one of the most exciting products of Morocco’s flourishing youth system.
The Amsterdam-born attacking midfielder was named Player of the Tournament when Morocco won the 2025 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
His performances have attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Real Madrid reportedly monitoring his development.
Ouazane has been called up for Morocco’s qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho. A strong senior debut could further raise his profile and strengthen interest in the Ajax youngster.
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Patrick Zabi — Ivory Coast
Known as “Zabi La Magie” for his technical ability, Patrick Zabi is hoping to establish himself in a changing Ivorian midfield.
The 19-year-old midfielder moved from Reims to Paris FC after reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United.
The AFCON qualifiers could give Zabi an opportunity to demonstrate his qualities at senior international level.
Consistent performances for the Elephants would add valuable international experience to his résumé and potentially increase his visibility among European clubs.
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George Ilenikhena — Nigeria
George Ilenikhena already has an unusual Champions League record for a 20-year-old. The striker has also impressed with two different clubs — Royal Antwerp in 2023 and Monaco in 2024.
Now with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, Ilenikhena has received his first Super Eagles call-up for the qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau
He was linked with a move away from Saudi Arabia during the summer, with Sevilla and Hull City among the clubs reportedly interested.
A productive international campaign could strengthen his case for a return to European football and give potential suitors another opportunity to assess his development.
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Ibrahim Maza — Algeria
Born in Berlin, Ibrahim Maza represented Germany at youth level before choosing Algeria at senior international level.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder now plays for Bayer Leverkusen and has already attracted interest from major European clubs.
Arsenal and Atlético Madrid have been linked with Maza, while his reported valuation is around £60 million.
A consistent run with Algeria could further strengthen his reputation and potentially increase interest ahead of future transfer windows.
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Ryan Ogam — Kenya
Ryan Ogam has emerged as one of Kenya’s most promising young forwards. The 21-year-old impressed at the 2025 African Nations Championship, scoring the winning goals against Morocco and Zambia as Kenya reached the quarter-finals on their tournament debut.
He also scored 15 goals in 17 Kenyan league appearances for Tusker before earning a move to Austria. He is now on loan at Belgian club RFC Liège.
With Kenya preparing to co-host the 2027 AFCON, the qualifiers offer Ogam another opportunity to showcase his ability.
Strong performances could strengthen his case for a permanent European move and establish him as one of the key players in Kenya’s next generation.
Chance to change their trajectory
The five players arrive at the qualifiers at different stages of their careers.
For Ouazane and Zabi, it is an opportunity to establish themselves at senior international level. For Ilenikhena, it could help revive interest from European clubs, while Maza is looking to reinforce an already growing reputation.
Ogam, meanwhile, can use the platform to build on his impressive domestic and CHAN performances.
International football does not automatically increase a player’s transfer value, but strong performances can provide additional visibility and evidence of a player’s ability to perform under pressure.
For these five young Africans, the 2027 AFCON qualifiers could therefore be about more than qualification. They could also provide a crucial stage for the next steps in their careers.
