Top 10 Under-25 Players Electrifying CHAN 2024

Brief Summary

• CHAN 2024 is showcasing Africa’s best under-25 attacking prospects from nations like DR Congo, Nigeria, Tanzania, Morocco, Senegal, Malawi, and Kenya.
• Players such as Austine Odhiambo (Kenya), Clement Mzize (Tanzania), and Anas Yusuf (Nigeria) have delivered key goals, assists, and game-changing moments.
• Many of these strikers are on the radar of top clubs globally, with CHAN 2024 offering them a platform to secure bigger moves and boost their careers.

Deep Dive!!

Lagos, Nigeria—With the number of amazing talents from Africa, the CHAN 2024 competitions, currently hosted by three East African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda), provide room for even more talents to show off their prowess.

The PAMOJA edition of the African Nations Championship is currently at its group stage and has already thrilled fans with lots of drama, skill and national pride. But who are the young talents under 25 years of age that are really kicking it in the competition? Let’s dive in!

10. Diakana Marzuk (DR Congo, Age 19)

Diakana Marzuk is already recognised as a highly talented, fast-rising star. His incredible strength, dribbling, and lethal finishes earned him a place in the 26-man squad that arrived at the CHAN 2024. Even though he is yet to register any goal contribution due to almost no playing time, all eyes are on him as the competition pushes on. Hopes are high for DR Congo after a successful 2-0 victory against Zambia at the Mandela National Stadium. 

9. Ben Ahmed Kohili (Algeria, Age 20)

Ben Ahmed Kohili is a name that comes to mind when you talk of raw talent. He had his debut at Paradou AC in Algeria’s domestic league last season and kicked off beautifully with four goals in four games. His run in the CHAN 2024 competitions is one worth anticipating, even though he has scored just one goal so far. The competition is still heated and very much on, and with mentorship from his senior teammates like Aymen Mahious, the striker promises to put up a show if his nation makes it to the knockout phase.

8. Michael Tochukwu (Nigeria, 21)

Michael Tochukwu has been a part of the Nigerian team in the CHAN 2024 competitions, and even though he is a midfielder, he has been a formidable force in the attack for his team. Tochukwu has been a regular starter for the Nigerian team in the group stage. He is also yet to register a goal in the competition, but we can give him credit for some goal involvements in the team. Nigeria has been low-scoring overall, but hope is not lost as they face Sudan and Congo in their following group stage matches, giving Tochukwu a chance to make his mark in the tournament.

7. Anas Yusuf (Nigeria, 21)

It is right to refer to Anas Yusuf as a standout performer since he has constantly proved his ruthlessness in front of the goal. He won the 2024-25 NPFL Golden Boot with 18 goals for Nasarawa United, including two hat-tricks, attesting to his amazing talents. Yet to register a goal in the competition, there are hopes for games to come. Yusuf has vowed to “play his heart out” for his country, so much more is expected from him.

ALSO READ: CHAN 2024 Group Stage Highlights So Far (2nd - 6th August)

6. Clement Mzize (Tanzania, Age 21)

Clement Mzize started in Tanzania’s two opening group stage matches. The forward registered two incredible and crucial goals against Madagascar, sealing their place in the knockout phase. His sharp finishing and ability to stretch defensive lines will be a credible asset to his team in a bid to win their first CHAN trophy.

5. Ayoub Mouloua (Morocco, 22)

Mouloua has become a force to contend with as a part of the Moroccan team, despite the fact that they are constantly loaded. He is yet to register a goal in the competition, but his outstanding record of 11 goals in 26 appearances for Botola Pro proves that his potential is one to look out for. His deadly left foot, swift movement, and ability to ghost into scoring positions are ones we all look out for.

4. Libasse Gueye (Senegal, 22)

Libasse Gueye is a key part of Senegal’s youthful squad, and even though he is yet to make his mark in the competition, all eyes are on him to help steer his nation to a remarkable victory. His finishing skill is an asset that is poised to add spark to the tournament. CHAN is his moment, particularly in close games.

READ MORE: CAF Appoints Elite Technical Study Group for CHAN PAMOJA 2024

3. Youness El Kaâbi (Morocco, 23)

Foot-Africa calls him a rising star. He is the younger brother of Ayoub El Kaâbi, who was key to Morocco’s victory in the CHAN 2018 tournaments. He has a chance to make a name for himself with this year’s competition as they aim for their third CHAN trophy. He aided in sealing Morocco’s 2-0 defeat over Angola after coming off the bench and firing a powerful shot, which led to an own goal in the 81st minute. Youness is worth watching as the competition unfolds.

2. Wisdom Mpinganjira (Malawi, 23)

Mpinganjira is described as a swift player. He has consistently started for Malawi in Group C during the group stage. If Malawi manages to sneak through, his league form, he is a top scorer candidate domestically, indicates more to come.

1. Austine Odhiambo (Kenya, Age 25)

Already a goal scorer in the competition, Austine Odhiambo is a fan favourite among his Kenyan fans. He scored a spectacular first-half goal that completed a historic upset over the two-time champions, DR Congo, the only goal of the 45+2’ minutes. He also equalised by sending the goalie the wrong way after Jo Paciencia of Angola opened the score with a penalty kick in the first half. Odhiambo was rested for Kenya’s third game against Morocco, which they still won 1-0. Kenya is through to the knockout phase, remaining undefeated and giving room for Austine Odhiambo to deliver even more.