The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is set to create a buzz in the football world, and we're here to uncover which Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) players might be making their mark on the tournament in 2025. Get ready for an exciting journey as we explore the potential stars of Afcon!
But here's where it gets controversial... some SPFL clubs are already feeling the heat, as key players prepare to jet off for the tournament. Seven Scottish clubs will be missing their top talent during the festive season, and it's not just a minor inconvenience - these players are integral to their teams' success.
Overall, a whopping 10 players based in Scotland are heading to Morocco for Afcon, leaving their clubs without their services for at least a few crucial games. The impact of these absences will be felt across the board, with each of the top five Scottish Premiership sides losing at least one player. This is a significant increase from the previous Afcon tournament in 2023, where only three SPFL players represented their nations.
Let's dive into the details and uncover which players might be making waves at Afcon 2025:
Hibernian (Hibs):
- Rocky Bushiri (DR Congo): With four caps already, Bushiri has become a vital part of Hibs' defense. His absence will be sorely felt, especially given his recent impressive performances.
- Miguel Chaiwa (Zambia): Chaiwa, a 21-year-old midfielder, has secured a starting spot at Hibs. Now, he aims to add to his 11 caps for Zambia and make an impact at Afcon.
- Jordan Obita (Uganda): Obita has faced competition for his left-back position, but his experience and six caps for Uganda make him a valuable asset. Hibs are assuming he's heading to Morocco, but the final squad announcement is yet to be made.
Celtic:
- Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria): Unfortunately, Iheanacho's recent hamstring injury has ruled him out. With 59 caps, he would have been a key player for Nigeria, but his absence opens the door for others.
- Sebastian Tounekti (Tunisia): A regular starter for Celtic, Tounekti has represented Tunisia three times since switching allegiances from Norway. His pace and skill on the wing will be missed.
- Michel-Ange Balikwisha (DR Congo): Balikwisha made his DR Congo debut last month, scoring in a World Cup qualifying win. However, his impact at Celtic has been limited to just two starts. Nonetheless, his talent is undeniable.
Rangers:
- Mohamed Diomande (Ivory Coast): Diomande, a midfielder, has had an inconsistent start to the season with Rangers. Despite this, he was hoping to add to his eight caps for the Ivory Coast, but he missed out on the squad.
- Youssef Chermiti (Tunisia): Chermiti, a striker, has been in and out of form. Tunisia tried to convince him to represent his father's nation, but he has not yet made the switch.
- Nasser Djiga (Burkina Faso): Djiga, a 23-year-old center-half, has struggled since joining Rangers on loan. However, with injuries to key defenders, his presence has become crucial. He will be a key player for Burkina Faso at Afcon.
Heart of Midlothian (Hearts):
- Pierre Landry Kabore (Burkina Faso): Kabore, signed from Estonia, has made an impact at Hearts. His hat-trick for Burkina Faso in October showcased his talent, and he will be a valuable asset for his country at Afcon.
Motherwell:
- Tawanda Maswanhise (Zimbabwe): Maswanhise, the joint top scorer in the Premiership, has been a key player for Motherwell. His ability to play wide or through the middle will be sorely missed as he adds to his 14 caps for Zimbabwe.
St Johnstone:
- Uche Ikpeazu (Uganda): Ikpeazu, a striker, has struggled for game time since returning to Scotland. However, he is hoping to add to his three Uganda caps and make an impact at Afcon.
Dunfermline Athletic:
- Alfons Amade (Mozambique): Amade, a midfielder, has been in and out of the starting lineup. He has represented Mozambique 13 times since switching allegiances, and his experience will be vital for his country.
And this is the part most people miss... the return dates of these players are uncertain. It all depends on how far their national teams progress in the tournament. The group stage ends in late December, and from there, it's a knockout format. Will these SPFL players make it to the latter stages, or will they be heading home early? Only time will tell.
So, what do you think? Are you excited to see these SPFL players represent their nations at Afcon 2025? Who do you think will make the biggest impact? Let's discuss in the comments and share our predictions!
