Get ready for an exciting journey as we explore the potential SPFL stars who might shine at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in 2025!
The Big Question: Which Scottish players will represent their nations, and how will their clubs cope during their absence?
But here's where it gets controversial... some clubs are already feeling the pinch, with key players set to miss crucial matches over the festive period.
Let's dive into the details and uncover the stories behind these potential Afcon participants.
Hibernian's Absence Woes:
With three players heading to Afcon, Hibs face a significant challenge. Rocky Bushiri, a key defender, will be looking to add to his DR Congo caps, and his absence will be keenly felt. Miguel Chaiwa, a recent addition to the Hibs midfield, will also represent Zambia, while Jordan Obita aims to boost his Uganda caps.
Celtic's Missing Trio:
Celtic could have had three players in Morocco, but Kelechi Iheanacho's injury ruled him out. New manager Wilfried Nancy will still be without Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who have recently switched allegiances.
Rangers' Potential Absentees:
Rangers might have sent as many as three players to Morocco, but an indifferent start to the season meant midfielder Mohamed Diomande missed out on the Ivory Coast squad. Tunisia's efforts to persuade Youssef Chermiti were also unsuccessful. This leaves Nasser Djiga as the sole Rangers representative at Afcon.
Heart of Midlothian's Impact Player:
Premiership leaders Hearts will miss Pierre Landry Kabore, who has been making a growing impact. Kabore's hat-trick for Burkina Faso in October showcased his talent, and his absence will be felt during crucial matches.
Motherwell's Top Scorer Loss:
Motherwell's loss of Tawanda Maswanhise, the joint top scorer in the Premiership, could be the most significant. Maswanhise's influence, whether wide or central, will be sorely missed as he adds to his Zimbabwe caps.
St Johnstone and Dunfermline's Challenges:
St Johnstone, leading the Championship, will be without experienced striker Uche Ikpeazu, while Dunfermline, a rare occurrence for a second-tier club, has seen games postponed due to international call-ups. Alfons Amade, a midfielder with Mozambique, is one of their key players making a senior-level impact.
When Will They Return?
The SPFL contingent's return depends on their national teams' progress. The group stage ends in late December, followed by the knockout stages in January, culminating in the final on 18 January.
Group Predictions:
- Chaiwa's Zambia faces a tough group with Morocco, Mali, and Comoros.
- Maswanhise's Zimbabwe has a challenging path with Egypt, South Africa, and Angola.
- Nigeria and Tunisia are favorites in their group, while Uganda battles Tanzania for third.
- Bushiri and Balikwisha's DR Congo are second favorites in their group.
- Djiga and Kabore's Burkina Faso are also second favorites in their section.
- Amade's Mozambique could face an early return, being the lowest-ranked team in their group.
So, which SPFL players will make an impact at Afcon 2025? And how will their clubs adapt during their absence? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments!
Let's discuss and celebrate the talent on display!
