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The Africa Cup of Nations is just around the corner, and throughout its history the tournament has been a breeding ground for world-class talent. From Senegal and Egypt to South Africa, Morocco and Algeria, AFCON continues to showcase players who later go on to dominate European and global football.
For Football Manager players, AFCON is also a major opportunity. It is a chance to uncover young, undervalued talent before their reputation and price tag explode.
This article is Part 1 of a two-part series highlighting 11 young players set to feature at AFCON this year. All are aged 23 or under and all have the potential to become long-term stars in your saves. Together they form a classic 4-2-3-1, starting here with the goalkeeper and back four.
GK: 🇸🇳 Mamour N'Diaye (19yo)
Mamour N'Diaye is one of the most exciting young goalkeepers heading into AFCON. Currently playing for Sarpsborg in Norway’s Eliteserien, he stands just under two metres tall and already looks the part physically.
N'Diaye combines his size with strong agility, bravery and excellent aerial reach. He is comfortable dealing with crosses and excels in one-on-one situations. In a five-year Football Manager simulation, he moves on to Al Nassr, where he develops into a top-level goalkeeper with elite shot-stopping ability.
He does have an eccentric streak and can be aggressive when rushing out of his box, but with the right coaching and tactical setup, that risk can be managed. For long-term saves, N'Diaye has genuine world-class potential and is often available at a very reasonable price early on.
RB: 🇿🇦 Siviwe Nkwali (20yo)
Siviwe Nkwali is one of the best value defensive prospects in South Africa. Although naturally rated as a centre-back, he is most effective when deployed at right-back.
After starting his career at Cape Town Spurs, Nkwali moved to Stellenbosch FC, where he helped South Africa win the CAF Under-20 Championship. He is a modern defender who is comfortable on the ball, mobile and tactically intelligent.
By the age of 24 in-game, he develops excellent pace, agility and natural fitness, along with strong concentration and determination. His tackling can improve, but his positioning and marking make him very reliable. He can often be signed for around £175,000, making him an outstanding bargain.
CB: 🇿🇦 Sfiso Timba (19yo)
Sfiso Timba is another South African defender with huge upside. Primarily a centre-back, he can also cover at right-back if needed.
Currently playing for Kaizer Chiefs, Timber has already attracted attention from scouts due to his recovery pace, defensive awareness and physical profile. In a five-year simulation, he earns a move to Al Ain and later attracts further interest from clubs in the Middle East.
His development includes strong tackling and heading, high concentration and determination, and excellent pace and stamina. With a typical transfer fee of around £375,000, Timber represents exceptional long-term value and can comfortably become a first-choice centre-back for many seasons.
CB: 🇸🇳 Abdoulaye Faye (20yo)
Abdoulaye Faye is a name many Football Manager players will already recognise. The left-sided centre-back is owned by Bayer Leverkusen and is currently on loan at FC Lorient.
Faye is praised for his composure, passing range, intelligence and physical dominance. After five years in-game, at the age of 25, he already has 10 international caps for Senegal and develops into a complete defender.
He boasts strong tackling, marking and passing, combined with excellent anticipation and aggression. Standing at 6 foot 3 with a 17 jumping reach and 15 heading, he is dominant in the air. While he is the most expensive player on this list, often costing between £20 million and £30 million, his quality more than justifies the investment.
LB: 🇲🇦 Yusi (19yo)
Yusi completes the back four. The Spanish-born left-back represents Morocco internationally and currently plays for Alavés in La Liga.
He is a modern full-back who offers balance at both ends of the pitch. Defensively solid, he also provides consistent attacking output with overlapping runs, quality crossing and intelligent movement down the left flank.
After five years in Football Manager, Yusi develops excellent dribbling, first touch, marking and tackling, along with strong physical attributes for his role. While he lacks aerial presence, his technical and tactical ability make him a top-tier full-back. In-game, he moves to Al Ittihad for £53 million and later reaches a valuation of over £100 million.
- Date Created
- 13 Dec 2025 07:49:23
- Date Updated
- 13 Dec 2025 17:42:49
- Last Comment
- 13 Dec 2025 07:49:23
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