Ernest Nuamah, Karim Konate and Six of the Youngest Players Expected to Shine at AFCON 2023

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is a platform where young players have the opportunity to showcase their talents.

In the past, the tournament produced several greats including the likes of Samuel Eto'o and Benni McCarthy of Cameroon and South Africa respectively.

In recent times, Krepin Diatta of Senegal and Issa Kabore of Burkina Faso have been beneficiaries of the tournament, marking their marks at very young ages.

Ahead of the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, Sports Brief looks at the ten youngest players.

Fares Chaibi - Algeria (21 years)

The Algeria youngster was born in France to Algerian parents but decided to represent the Desert Foxes at international level. Chaibi plies his trade in Germany for Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. This season, the 21-year-old has made 13 appearances, scoring a goal and delivering four assists.

Karim Konate - Cote D'Ivoire (19 years)

The Red Bull Salzburg forward is already attracting interest from some of the big clubs in Europe, with Inter and Tottenham Hotspurs closely monitoring him. Konate has made ten goal contributions in the Austrian league in 17 matches so far. He is expected to play a key role for Ivory Coast at the Nations Cup on home soil.

Amir Richardson - Morocco (21 years)

Another player born in Europe, representing the country of his parents is Amir Richardson. Richardson was rewarded for helping Morocco win the 2023 CAF U23 Cup of Nations. The Stade Reims player is enjoying a good season so far, scoring three goals in 14 matches for the French outfit.

Simon Adingra - Cote D'Ivoire (22 years)

Adingra only turned 22 eight days ago. The Brighton forward was picked ahead of experienced winger Wilfried Zaha, following his blistering start to life in England. In his first campaign in the English Premier League, Adingra has already netted four goals in 17 games and has an assist to his credit. If Cote D'Ivoire are to go far in the tournament, a lot will depend on the tricky winger.

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Ernest Nuamah - Ghana (20 years)

The Ghana international has already been selected for the Golden Boy award twice in the last two years following a meteoric rise from the Right to Dream Academy to Olympique Lyonnais. Nuamah joined the French giants from FC Nordsjaelland in the summer transfer window. He has scored a goal and provided an assist in 14 games.

Django Outtara - Burkina Faso (21 years)

The Bournemouth star made the headlines during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. The Burkina Faso winger excelled as the West African nation reached the semi-finals last two years. This season, in 13 Premier League appearances, Outtara is yet to score although he had the ball in the net against Manchester United.

Lamine Camera - Senegal (20 years)

Camara turned 20 on January 1 and heads to the tournament as the best young player in Africa. With the guidance of the likes of Nampalys Mendy and Idrissa Gueye, he is expected to shine in Ivory Coast. The FC Metz midfielder is already courting interest from big clubs in Europe.

Wilfried Nathan Doula - Cameroon (17 years)

The youngest among the players listed. Doula earned his first ever call up after impressing Cameroon coach Rigobert Song with his performances in the Cameroonian topflight league, where he plays for Victoria United.

Ghana vs Egypt headline big games at group stage

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the countdown to the Africa Cup of Nations is almost over with less than a week to start the tournament.

Ivory Coast will host 23 other nations as the quest for a new African champion begins on Saturday, January 13, 2024, in Abidjan.

The flagship African competition has always thrilled fans with some exciting football over the years and ahead of the 34th edition, nothing less is expected.