More than 500 players are preparing to participate to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. A competition in which Ligue 1 will be more represented than any other league, with 50 of its talents having now joined their Moroccan base camp.
A great opportunity for Sports Talk United to highlight six of them, who are set to shine on the continental stage and in the eyes of the whole world.
Herve Koffi
Burkina Faso
Although not among the favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations, Burkina Faso nevertheless intend to prove themselves as credible outsiders for the final victory. And in their bid to finally win a competition they are about to take part in for the 14th time in their history, the Stallions will be able to count on the presence of their experienced goalkeeper Herve Koffi. On loan from Lens to Angers last summer, the 29-year-old keeper impressives.
The fourth goalkeeper to have faced the most shots on target since the start of the season (78), he is the one, along with Nice’s Yehvann Diouf, to have recorded the highest number of saves (60), boasting an impressive 80.2% success rate. His total is the second best in the league, behind Lens’ Robin Risser and his 81.4%. Based on these figures, it is no surprise that Koffi is now considered by many observers to be one of the best goalkeepers in Ligue 1.
Ngal’ayel Mukau
DR Congo
Representing the new generation of Congolese players, Ngal’ayel Mukau has established himself as one of the revelations of the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season wearing the colours of Lille. But also as an increasingly important member of the Leopards squad. A starter in the victory over Nigeria in the African zone play-off final, Mukau stepped up to the occasion.
And at 21, as the midfielder prepares to compete in the first major tournament of his young career, the Antwerp, Belgium native now seems poised to burst onto the world stage. The Democratic Republic of Congo could certainly benefit from his talent if they are to add a third title to their continental honours list.
Lamine Camara
Senegal
He may go somewhat unnoticed alongside Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr on Pape Thiaw’s list of players called up to represent Senegal, but Lamine Camara’s name could soon be on everyone’s lips. Having arrived in France through the partnership between the Generation Foot Academy and FC Metz, the young midfielder has quickly made a name for himself in eastern France. And it took less than a season for him to attract the attention of the league’s top clubs.
Signed by Monaco a year and a half ago, the player who was voted best young African player of the year in 2024 quickly became one of the team’s key players. A status that Camara also enjoys with the national team, which he hopes to lead to the top of Africa.
Ilan Kebbal
Algeria
A career rarely takes the form of a steady climb to the top. Ilan Kebbal can attest to that. But at 27, the Algerian winger seems to be in the best form of his career. A technical leader and spearhead of Paris FC’s attack, the Marseille native is off to a strong start this season.
A permanent fixture in the starting line-up for each of the first 16 Ligue 1 matchdays, Kebbal has already scored six goals and provided two assists, even earning himself the title of Player of the Month for August. Enough to convince Vladimir Petkovic, coach of Les Fennecs, to give him his international debut in the October and November games. And a call-up for his first Africa Cup of Nations.
Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal
Morocco
A product of the renowned Mohamed VI Academy, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal is one of Ligue 1’s most talented young defenders. With an imposing physique (1.90 m and 78 kg), he displays a maturity that is remarkable for a player who is only 19 years old.
It is therefore no coincidence that, before signing with Rennes, Ait Boudlal had been courted by a dozen clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester City. But the prospect of quickly making his mark at professional level worked in favour of the Breton club, which initially sent him to gain experience in Ligue 2, at Amiens. Before settling him into Habib Beye’s three-man defence this season.
Mamadou Sangare
Mali
During his illustrious career, Seydou Keita represented Mali 102 times, won countless titles and left his mark on every club he played for. Mamadou Sangare may not yet have achieved the same level of success, but that hasn’t stopped him from being compared to the former Eagles midfielder. At 23, the Lens player, who arrived from Rapid Vienna last summer, has already won over his fans.
Playing in the Sang et Or’s double pivot, Sangare is like a fish in water, excelling in both attack and defence. So much so that he is currently the second-best ball recovery player in Europe’s Big 5 (7.79 balls recovered per game), just behind Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson (8.25). A major asset for Tom Saintfiet and for the Malian national team, whose reputation for midfielders is proven.
