The group stages of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament gets underway this week as 48 nations including three host, battle for the 24 available spots at the main event next year.
The qualifiers will eventually end in March 2027 and several African footballers will be hoping to produce inspiring performances to help their respective country chances of booking their place at the tournament.
Here are five stars to keep a close watch on for the first round of qualifiers.
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Atletico Madrid winger Ademola Lookman headlines the list of high profile players that will be hoping to make an impact in the first round of qualifying matches.
The 28-year-old is expected to start for the Super Eagles and will be hoping to take on a more prominent role, especially in the absence of Victor Osimhen, who will miss out with injury.
Lookman remains one of Nigeria’s most dangerous attackers and will be looking to put his club struggles behind him when Eric Chelle’s men go up against Madagascar on Friday, before facing Guinea-Bissau four days later.
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Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
Antoine Semenyo is another player who will be looking to make a big impact for four-time champions Ghana in the first round of qualifiers. The Manchester City winger has been in fine form for club this season and will be hoping to carry that form to the international scene.
The 26-year-old will also be tasked with most of Ghana’s attacking responsibilities, especially in the absence of Inaki Williams, who has announced his retirement and Mohammed Kudus, who also withdrew from the squad.
The Black Stars face a tough test against Ivory Coast on Thursday, before facing the Gambia on the 29th of September.
Ivory Coast vs Ghana prediction, betting tips: Semenyo eyes solid outing for Black Stars
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Mohamed Salah remains one of Africa’s greatest players and the Egyptian superstar will be hoping to inspire the North African side to another AFCON tournament.
The former Liverpool winger has enjoyed a stunning start to the season at Turkish side Trabzonspor and will be hoping to carry that form to the first round of qualifiers.
The Pharaohs are up against Angola in their first match, before facing South Sudan in their second game and will be targeting maximum points to set the early pace in Group B.
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Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
Yan Diomande became Africa’s most expensive player and one of the most expensive signings in the history of football over the summer when he joined Real Madrid from RB Leipzig in a deal that could reach €140 million.
The 19-year-old has had a slow start to the season, but he remains Ivory Coast’s most dangerous attacker in the absence of Amad Diallo and will be hoping to revive his form with their qualifying games against Ghana and minnows Somalia, as the Elephants aim to finish top of their qualifying group.
Nigeria vs Madagascar prediction, betting tips: Lookman to lead Super Eagles charge
Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)
Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson completes this list as he will be hoping to inspire his side to victory under new head coach Patrick Vieira.
The former Arsenal midfielder assumed the role after taking over from Pape Thiaw and will lead the Lions of Teranga against Mozambique and Ethiopia later this month.
Jackson, meanwhile, will look to nail a starting berth under the Frenchman and will be keen on impressing and shouldering much of the goalscoring responsibility in both matches.
