- Africa has produced many talented footballers over the years, from Ballon d’Or winner George Weah to Jay Jay Okocha to back-to-back treble winner Samuel Eto’o
- During the 2023 AFCON tournament several young players grabbed the headlines showing the world that Africa will continue to be represented at the top stage years to come
- Oumar Diakite is one of those African youngsters who have a bright future
The likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez are close to ending their football career, so which African youngsters could take over from them?
Africa has produced many talented footballers over the years, from Ballon d’Or winner George Weah to the master of dribbling Jay Jay Okocha to back-to-back treble winner Samuel Eto’o. During the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, several young players grabbed the headlines showing the world that Africa will continue to be represented at the top stage years to come even after the retirement of current stars.
With the summer transfer window just a few months away, we have decided to take a look at five African youngsters who could secure transfers to bigger clubs.
1. Oumar Diakite – Ivory Coast
Oumar Diakite. Photo/ Linfodrome.
One of the most incredible moments at the 2023 AFCON tournament was produced at the quarter-final stage by Oumar Diakite. The 20-year-old scored a backheeled last-gasp winner that sent Ivory Coast to the semi-final.
Even though he missed the semis because of being shown a second yellow for removing his shirt while celebrating his goal in the quarters, Diakite returned in the final and played a significant role in the unforgettable 2-1 win over Nigeria.
Oumar Diakite is one of those African youngsters who have a bright future and the world is waiting to see if he will carry his form over into the World Cup 26 qualifiers this summer. He plays for French club Reims at career level.
2. Lamine Camara – Senegal
Senegal failed to defend the AFCON title they won in 2021. However, we could expect them to roar back in the next edition of the tournament considering the young talents they have in their squad. One such amazing played expected to lead the team in the years to come is 20-year-old Lamine Camara.
Camara, who plays as an attacking midfielder, started in three matches and scored two goals at the AFCON tournament played this year. We could have seen more from the youngster who idolizes Federico Valverde, Kevin De Bruyne and fellow countryman Idrissa Gana Gueye if Senegal had progressed past the round of 16.
3. Nene Dorgeles
Nene Dorgeles plays for Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg and the Mali national team as an attacking midfielder. Photo/ Transfermarkt.
21-year-old Malian talent Nene Dorgeles has been tipped as one of the young African youngsters to watch in 2024. Just like the others on this list, Nene played at the 2023 AFCON tournament and caught the eyes of many fans with his amazing performance.
The RB Salzburg attacking midfielder scored an amazing goal for Mali against Ivory Coast, which is the country of his birth, in the quarter-final. Even though it was not enough to help Mali proceed to the semi-finals, Nene got the attention he deserves as one of the fastest rising stars in the football world.
4. Thapelo Maseko
South Africa stunned many when they reached all the way to the semi-finals of the AFCON tournament where they lost to Nigeria on penalties. While we can agree that the whole South African team did a great job all the way to the semis from the group stage, we should also acknowledge the talent of youngster Thapelo Maseko.
The 20-year-old scored barely five minutes after coming on as a substitute in his country’s 4-0 win over Namibia. Throughout the campaign he started one match and came on as a substitute four times. Even though he didn’t play in the semis because of an injury he sustained in the quarters, the football world got a glimpse to see what he can do when given enough time on the pitch.
Thapelo Maseko made one start and four substitute appearances at the 2023 AFCON Tournament with South Africa. Photo/ SNL24.
Thapelo Maseko plays for South African club Mamelodi Sundowns and he is one of the African youngsters to keep an eye on this year.
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