AFCON rising stars make waves in the quarter-finals, including Brahim Diaz, Christian Kofane, Ibrahim Mbaye, Ibrahim Maza and Akor Adams

The Africa Cup of Nations reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend with a series of tantalising fixtures between the continent’s elite sides.

Also read: Osimhen, Lookman Challenge Algeria’s Zidane in AFCON Quarters

AFP Sport highlights five players making their AFCON debuts who have already turned heads in Morocco.

Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid/Morocco)
The 26-year-old winger has become Morocco’s standout performer, scoring in every game, including the crucial goal that saw them past Tanzania in the round of 16.

Born in Malaga, Diaz initially represented Spain at senior level before switching allegiance to Morocco, his father’s homeland.

Diaz will play a key role as the Atlas Lions take on Cameroon on Friday.

Christian Kofane (Bayer Leverkusen/Cameroon)
At just 19, the forward from Douala has impressed for Cameroon.

Signed by Bayer Leverkusen from Spain’s second tier, Kofane scored decisive goals in Cameroon’s last group game against Mozambique and in their 2-1 last-16 win over South Africa.

He has quickly emerged as a crucial figure for coach David Pagou.

Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain/Senegal)
The 17-year-old PSG winger, born in France, opted to represent Senegal ahead of AFCON.

Mbaye has made an immediate impact off the bench, setting up and scoring goals to help the Lions of Teranga progress. Senegal face Mali in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen/Algeria)
Known as “Mazadona,” the 20-year-old attacking midfielder has lit up Algeria’s campaign.

Berlin-born Maza represented Germany at youth level before switching to Algeria.

Since joining Leverkusen this season, he has contributed goals and man-of-the-match performances, including strikes against Equatorial Guinea and Burkina Faso.

Akor Adams (Sevilla/Nigeria)
The 25-year-old striker has added firepower to Nigeria’s attack alongside Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Adams scored and assisted in Nigeria’s 4-0 round of 16 victory over Mozambique, helping Eric Chelle’s team advance to a quarter-final showdown with Algeria.

Also read: Nigeria to face Algeria in AFCON 2025 quarter-final showdown

With Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, Algeria and Nigeria all still in contention, the tournament promises high-octane clashes and the emergence of a new generation of African football talent.