RABAT, Jan 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The Africa Cup of Nations reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend with a series of mouthwatering ties between the continent's heavyweights. AFP Sport picks out five stars enjoying their first AFCON to look out for in the last eight:Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid/Morocco)Moroccans were perhaps pinning their hopes of Cup of Nations glory on home soil on skipper Achraf Hakimi. Diaz, 26, has scored in every game including the crucial strike to beat Tanzania in the last 16. Born in Malaga, Diaz was capped by Spain at full international level in 2021 but later switched allegiance to Morocco, from where his father hails. Again appearing from the bench, Mbaye scored the third goal in the 3-1 win over Sudan in the last 16.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 09, 2026 13:26 UTC