AFCON Countdown – Three Standout Stars Ready to Shape Morocco 2025

by Graeme Jackson

Thursday Nov 27, 2025. 14:00

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in December, and as anticipation builds across the continent, attention is turning to the players expected to leave their mark on the tournament. Here are three standout performers poised to play influential roles when the action begins in Morocco.

Dango Ouattara

Born: 11 February 2002 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Position: Forward, winger, wingback

Senior club career: Majestic FC (Burkina Faso, 2019 – 2020); FC Lorient (France, 2020 – 2023); AFC Bournemouth (England, 2023 – 2025); Brentford (England, 2025 – present)

International debut: 30 December 2021, Mauritius 0-0 Burkina Faso

Dango Ouattara is expected to be a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s attack at AFCON 2025. Equally effective as a winger or wing-back, he offers explosive pace, sharp dribbling, and a constant threat in the final third. His timing when arriving in the box has already proved decisive, highlighted by his brace in qualifying against Burundi. When deployed deeper, he contributes defensively with tracking runs and transition coverage, giving his team valuable balance. Experience from demanding European fixtures has added composure and leadership to his game. Fitness concerns persist, but when available, Ouattara remains one of the Stallions’ most dangerous assets.

Bryan Mbeumo

Born: 7 August 1999 in Avallon, France

Position: Winger, forward

Senior club career: ESTAC Troyes (France, 2016 – 2019); Brentford (England, 2019 – 2025); Manchester United (England, 2025 – present)

International debut: 23 September 2022, Uzbekistan 2-0 Cameroon

Bryan Mbeumo enters AFCON 2025 as one of Cameroon’s most dynamic and reliable attacking forces. Now at Manchester United following an impressive spell with Brentford, he brings versatility across the front line, capable of stretching defences from wide areas or drifting centrally to create overloads. His ability to cut inside, beat defenders, and link with teammates like Vincent Aboubakar and Karl Toko Ekambi makes him central to Cameroon’s attacking rhythm. Improved finishing and high-level club experience strengthen his threat in transition, while his pressing and work rate ensure he contributes on both sides of the ball. Mbeumo will be crucial in moments when Cameroon need creativity or late-game breakthroughs.

Said Bakari

Born: 22 September 1994 in La Courneuve, France

Position: Winger, wingback

Senior club career: KFC Turnhout (Belgium, 2013 – 2015); ES Bonchamp (Belgium, 2015 – 2016); Union Namur (Belgium, 2016 – 2017); RKC Waalwijk (Netherlands, 2017 – 2023); Sparta Rotterdam (Netherlands, 2023 – present)

International debut: 6 October 2017, Mauritania 0-1 Comoros

Said Bakari brings both versatility and experience to the Comoros national team. Initially a winger, he has evolved into a dependable full-back option, particularly on the right, offering his team tactical flexibility. His pace, close control, and defensive work rate make him vital in a setup that often relies on compact organisation and rapid counterattacks. Bakari’s delivery from wide areas is key to launching transitions, while his resilience — shaped by years in lower leagues and international battles — provides calm in tight encounters. For Comoros, he is likely to be a crucial conduit between defence and attack, especially when facing more dominant opponents.