AFCON 2023: 11 exciting youngsters to lookout for

The Africa Cup of Nations is taking place in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Africa Cup of Nations is known to always throw up exciting youngsters who go on to greater things in their career.

Ahead of the 34th AFCON, which kicks off on Saturday, here are 11 young players to watch out for in Cote d’Ivoire.

Alhassan Yusuf (NIGERIA)

Nigerian midfielder Alhassan Yusuf in action for Belgian side Antwerp in the Champions League. Photo: AFP

The 23-year-old was a late replacement for injured Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Yusuf has been a regular feature for Belgian champions Royal Antwerp this season with 22 appearances, one goal and three assists.

His first ever appearance for the Super Eagles came in the recent friendly game against Syli National of Guinea.

Pape Matar Sarr (SENEGAL)

Pape Matar Saar. Photo: AFP

Pape Matar Sarr has been impressive for Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur after netting two goals and providing two assists in 18 games.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who was the CAF 2022 Young Player of the Year, will head into the 2023 AFCON as one of the best midfielders to watch.

Ousmane Diomande ( COTE D’IVOIRE)

Ousmane Diomande. Photo: AFP

At just 20-year-old Ousmane Diomande, Cote d’Ivoire possess a formidable defender who could be one of the stars of the tournament.

Diomande heads into this year’s AFCON on the back of a brilliant half season at Sporting Lisbon where he has made 21 appearances, scoring twice and providing one assist.

Also, he has played five Europa League games for Sporting and has a goal to his name.

Karim Konate (COTE D’IVOIRE)

Karim Konate. Photo: AFP

Another Ivorian to keep an eye on his Red Bull Salzburg centre-forward Karim Konate, who has been impressive for the