AFCON 2025 Absentee XI: Africa’s Biggest Players Missing Out in Morocco

AFCON 2025 Absentee XI: Africa’s Biggest Players Missing Out in Morocco

By Our Reporter 

The Africa Cup of Nations traditionally serves as a showcase for the continent’s finest footballing talent, but not every star will take part when AFCON 2025 kicks off in Morocco this month.

Through a combination of injury, international retirement, selection issues and, in some cases, failure to qualify, several of Africa’s most recognisable names will be notable absentees. Ahead of Sunday’s opening match, here is an African XI of the best players who will miss the tournament.

Goalkeeper

André Onana (Cameroon)

Despite initially being named by outgoing head coach Marc Brys, Onana was omitted from Cameroon’s final squad. Once regarded as Africa’s premier goalkeeper, the 29-year-old’s international standing has suffered amid inconsistent club form and ongoing political tensions within Cameroonian football. His absence marks a dramatic downturn for the Manchester United loanee, with Fabrice Ondoa set to take his place for the Indomitable Lions.

Defenders

Wilfried Singo (Ivory Coast)

An AFCON winner with Ivory Coast, Singo has continued to enhance his reputation at club level, attracting interest from Europe’s elite. However, a muscle injury sustained in November has ruled the Galatasaray defender out of the Elephants’ title defence.

William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria)

Nigeria will be without one of their most dependable leaders after Troost-Ekong announced his international retirement ahead of the tournament. The former Super Eagles captain, AFCON Player of the Tournament in 2024, departs having been a mainstay for over a decade.

Mohammed Salisu (Ghana)

Salisu’s absence reflects Ghana’s wider struggles, with the Black Stars failing to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2004. The Monaco defender arrives in strong club form but must instead focus on World Cup qualification.

Midfielders

André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Cameroon)

One of Africa’s elite midfielders, Anguissa misses AFCON through injury after suffering a thigh problem on international duty. His absence leaves Cameroon significantly weakened in the centre of the pitch.

Cheick Doucouré (Mali)

The Crystal Palace midfielder has not featured since January after sustaining a serious knee injury. Mali possess depth in midfield, but Doucouré’s athleticism and balance will be sorely missed.

Hakim Ziyech (Morocco)

Hopes of a late-career renaissance on home soil have faded for Ziyech, who has not played competitively since May. Despite returning to Morocco at club level, the former Chelsea playmaker was unable to regain match fitness in time.

Forwards

Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)

One of the Premier League’s most dynamic attackers, Semenyo is another casualty of Ghana’s failure to qualify. The Bournemouth forward remains central to the Black Stars’ rebuilding plans.

Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)

Kudus’ creativity and goal threat will also be absent in Morocco. Despite a solid start to the season at Tottenham, injuries and inconsistent form have mirrored Ghana’s wider struggles.

Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)

Among Europe’s most prolific strikers in recent seasons, Guirassy misses out after Guinea failed to qualify. Injury issues during the campaign prevented him from making a decisive impact during qualification.

Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)

Returning from a difficult spell disrupted by injury and illness, Wissa was deemed not ready for selection. DR Congo opted against risking the Newcastle forward, prioritising his long-term fitness ahead of future competitions.

Honourable Mentions

Ola Aina, Logan Costa, Marshall Munetsi, Amine Gouiri, Yankuba Minteh, Nicolas Pépé, Amine Adli, Simon Adingra, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Evan Guessand, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Vincent Aboubakar, Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare.