The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off on Sunday, December 21, with host nation Morocco facing Comoros in the opening match. The tournament, Africa’s premier football competition, will run until January 18 and is expected to showcase the continent’s finest talent.
However, fans will be denied the opportunity to watch several of Africa’s biggest football stars, as a number of high-profile players will miss the tournament due to non-qualification, squad omissions, injuries, or form-related decisions. YEN.com.gh highlights some of the most notable African players who will not feature at this year’s AFCON.
Mohammed Kudus, one of Africa’s most exciting attacking talents, will miss the tournament after Ghana failed to qualify for AFCON for the first time since 2004. The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, who joined the club from West Ham in a reported $75 million deal, has been in impressive form and recently scored in Ghana’s World Cup qualifier against Comoros. His absence is one of the biggest blows for fans of the Black Stars.
Hakim Ziyech – Morocco
Despite being one of the tournament favourites, Morocco will be without experienced winger Hakim Ziyech. The omission forms part of a broader transition by the Atlas Lions, as head coach Walid Regragui continues to integrate emerging talent from the country’s thriving youth system. Ziyech was a key figure in Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana is among the most surprising absentees. The Manchester United shot-stopper, currently on loan at Trabzonspor, was left out following reports of internal issues within the Cameroon Football Federation, coupled with a decline in form. His omission comes amid recent changes in the national team’s technical leadership.
Antoine Semenyo – Ghana
Another casualty of Ghana’s failure to qualify is Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. The in-form attacker is currently the highest-scoring African player in the English Premier League this season, making his absence particularly notable. Ghana’s shock exit from qualification ended a streak of 24 consecutive AFCON appearances.
Vincent Aboubakar – Cameroon
Veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar has also been left out of Cameroon’s squad as part of a major overhaul following disappointing World Cup qualification results. The former AFCON top scorer in 2022, who netted eight goals during the tournament, has been a central figure for the Indomitable Lions for over a decade. New head coach David Pagou explained that the decision was aimed at reshaping the team’s mentality and direction.
Nicolas Pépé – Côte d’Ivoire
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire will defend their title without winger Nicolas Pépé. Despite strong performances for Villarreal in La Liga, head coach Emerse Faé opted to leave him out of the squad, citing broader considerations beyond on-field performance. The decision has sparked debate, given Pépé’s form and experience at international level.
William Troost-Ekong – Nigeria
Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong will miss the tournament after announcing his retirement from international football earlier this month. The 32-year-old centre-back, who was named Player of the Tournament at the last AFCON, ends his international career with 83 caps. His departure comes just weeks before the Super Eagles begin their campaign.
Yoane Wissa – DR Congo
DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa has also been ruled out after failing to recover in time from an injury sustained during a World Cup qualifier in September. Although the Newcastle striker has returned to training and recently made his club comeback, his limited game time proved insufficient to secure a place in the final squad.
As AFCON 2025 gets underway, the absence of these stars is sure to be felt. Nonetheless, the tournament still promises intense competition and an opportunity for emerging talents to shine on Africa’s biggest football stage.
Source: Yen.com.gh
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