As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches the quarter-final stage, AFP Sport highlights five standout players making their first AFCON appearance who could leave a lasting mark in the last eight:

Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid/Morocco)

While Morocco initially relied on captain Achraf Hakimi, Diaz has emerged as their key figure. The 26-year-old winger has scored in every game, including the decisive strike against Tanzania in the Round of 16, making him the tournament’s top scorer with four goals. Born in Malaga, Diaz initially represented Spain at senior level before switching allegiance to Morocco, his father’s homeland. He will play a crucial role as the Atlas Lions face Cameroon on Friday.

Christian Kofane (Bayer Leverkusen/Cameroon)

Cameroon’s campaign has been boosted by young talents, none more impressive than 19-year-old forward Kofane. The Douala-born winger joined Bayer Leverkusen from Albacete this season and has already scored in the Bundesliga and Champions League. Kofane opened his AFCON account with a goal against Mozambique and added another in the 2-1 Round of 16 win over South Africa.

Ibrahim Mbaye (Paris Saint-Germain/Senegal)

The 17-year-old PSG winger, who represented France at youth level, opted to play for Senegal. Mbaye has been impactful from the bench, assisting in the draws against DR Congo and Benin and scoring in Senegal’s 3-1 win over Sudan in the Round of 16. He will be key as the Lions of Teranga take on Mali in the last eight.

Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen/Algeria)

Nicknamed “Mazadona,” the 20-year-old Berlin-born midfielder has been a revelation for Algeria. Having represented Germany at youth level, Maza switched to Algeria in late 2024. Playing behind the striker, he has scored against Sudan and Equatorial Guinea and won Man of the Match against Burkina Faso, establishing himself as a rising star.

Akor Adams (Sevilla/Nigeria)

The 25-year-old striker has strengthened Nigeria’s attacking options alongside Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. After joining Sevilla from Montpellier last year, Adams made his Super Eagles debut in October 2025. He returned to the starting lineup in the 4-0 Round of 16 win over Mozambique, contributing a goal and an assist as Nigeria prepares for a quarter-final clash with Algeria.