Iliman Ndiaye Tipped to Shine as One of the Faces of the Next AFCON
There’s a growing buzz around Iliman Ndiaye, and it’s coming from someone who knows African football inside out. Brahim Thiam, a former Mali international who is now a respected consultant for beIN Sports, has shared his thoughts ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and Ndiaye’s name clearly stands out in his predictions.
While many observers are quick to label Morocco as the natural favorite because they’re playing at home, Thiam has gone in a different direction. According to him, Senegal should be seen as the team to beat. It was pointed out that Senegal’s biggest strength lies in their balance. From defense to attack, consistency has been built across every line, and the squad appears more complete overall. Morocco, on the other hand, was said to be carrying the heavy pressure of hosting the tournament, along with questions around the lack of a proven, experienced number nine at the very top level.
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In this context, Senegal’s expectations are sky-high. Having already won the AFCON in 2021 and coming off a strong World Cup qualification campaign, anything less than a semifinal appearance would be considered a disappointment. It was emphasized that once a team reaches a certain standard, like Senegal, Algeria, or Morocco, failure is no longer an option.
When the conversation shifted to individual stars who could light up the tournament, Iliman Ndiaye’s name came up immediately. Thiam believes Ndiaye has everything needed to become one of the standout players of the competition. Playing at a high level in England, Ndiaye’s technical quality, intelligence on the ball, and ability to influence games were highlighted as key assets. Alongside him, young Algerian talent Ibrahim Maza was also mentioned as another potential breakout star, but Ndiaye’s rise feels particularly significant for Senegal’s ambitions.
The discussion didn’t stop there. Gabon was identified as a possible surprise package, driven by experienced leaders like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and supported by disciplined, hungry teammates. For the golden boot, Victor Osimhen was tipped as a strong contender, with his current form and hunger after World Cup disappointment making him a serious threat.
Still, what makes the AFCON special was also underlined. It’s a tournament full of unpredictability, where players can rediscover themselves and teams can exceed expectations. And in that unpredictable setting, Iliman Ndiaye is being quietly positioned as a player who could define the story of this competition.
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