André Onana, Hakim Ziyech, Serhou Guirassy headline AFCON 2025’s notable absentees XI | OneFootball

Many of Africa’s leading names will miss AFCON 2025 in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. According to L'Équipe, André Onana, Hakim Ziyech and Serhou Guirassy headline a standout absentees XI.

Onana’s omission stands out. After a turbulent Cameroon stint, he looked set for the tournament, but the appointment of David Pagou by Samuel Eto'o and the Cameroon federation, replacing Marc Brys, had consequences, including the goalkeeper. He has been in form at Trabzonspor, on loan from Manchester United.

In defence, Wilfried Singo, an Ivorian champion in early 2024, has a thigh strain at Galatasaray, with a late December return considered too risky by Émerse Faé. William Troost-Ekong, player of the last AFCON, ended his Nigeria career in December, saying he felt honoured and at peace with his decision.

Mohammed Salisu will also stay with Monaco, whose coach Sébastien Pocognoli uses three centre-backs. The defender has 22 caps and four goals for Ghana.

In midfield, Ziyech rejoined Wydad Casablanca in October but Walid Regragui has not called him since March 2024, and Sofiane Boufal’s Union Saint-Gilloise form has not convinced. Frank Anguissa suffered a left hamstring injury two days before a 0-1 loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in World Cup play-offs, a major blow for Cameroon.

Zimbabwe coach Mario Marinica has left out Marshall Munetsi of Wolverhampton after the federation cited injury, while the player maintained it was only a risk for the first match and that he had no pain.

Mohammed Kudus, the Tottenham forward, will watch from home as Ghana missed out. Yoane Wissa, a more than €57m Newcastle signing, was not selected by Sébastien Desabre after a September knee injury.

Guirassy has nine goals in 22 matches but Guinea did not qualify. Amine Gouiri, injured on 14 October against Uganda’s Salim Magoola, had right shoulder surgery and hopes to return in early January with OM. Also absent are Vincent Aboubakar, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Nabil Bentaleb, Himad Adbelli and Abdou Diallo. For Côte d’Ivoire, Nicolas Pépé and Simon Adingra were sanctioned, and Evann Guessand is a reserve with a slim chance if Sébastien Haller suffers a serious injury.

Source: L'Équipe