CloseEd Dove is a writer and scout who has a deep and enduring passion for African sport, politics and literature. Instagram: @EddyDove22, Facebook: @EddyDoveAfrica
Follow on X
Another international break means another batch of potential debutants for Africa's biggest footballing nations.
Here are the seven players taking their first steps in international football who have us most excited as they get set to pull on their nation's kits in Africa's World Cup qualifying campaign.
Axel Tuanzebe
The Democratic Republic of Congo has one of the most expansive diasporas of any African nation, boasting players at the recent Africa Cup of Nations who had previously represented the youth teams of France, Belgium and Switzerland among others.
Congo DR have now added former England youth international Tuanzebe, with the Ipswich Town centre-back finally committed to representing the land of his birth after being convinced by Leopards coach Sebastien Desabre.
He joins players such as Aaron Tshibola and Grady Diangana who also represented England in various youth groups before signing up for the Leopards.
A Manchester United academy graduate, Tuanzebe began his journey with the Red Devils at the age of 8 having moved to England four years previously. A prodigy, Tuanzebe represented England at various levels, captained United to Milk Cup success a decade ago, and demonstrated his talent in multiple sporting disciplines.
Jose Mourinho handed Tuenzebe his Red Devils debut, although Louis van Gaal had previously acknowledged the youngster's potential before injury stymied his progress under the Dutch coach.
Tuenzebe appeared set for a long career with United when he neutralised Kylian Mbappé in a UEFA Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain in October 2020, but fitness problems limited his impact at Old Trafford and he signed for Ipswich on a permanent deal in September after loan spells with Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke City.
Tuanzebe opted to remain in England to play a prominent role in the Tractor Boys' promotion push rather than join the Leopards' camp for the Nations Cup, but Desabre remained set on bringing the 26-year-old into the fold and given the defender's strength, aggression, versatility and confidence in possession.
With Ipswich now in the Premier League, Tuanzebe can focus on making his mark at international level and helping the Congolese return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
Cherif Ndiaye
A revelation in Serbia this season, Ndiaye becomes the latest talented attacker to join Senegal's massed ranks of offensive stars after accepting Aliou Cisse's call.
He scored 20 goals in all competitions for Red Star Belgrade this season, including in the UEFA Champions League, and played an influential role as they secured a domestic league and cup double.
This form was enough to convince Cisse, even though, at 28, Ndiaye represents a late bloomer at international level.
Ndiaye previously starred in China, Croatia and Turkey but he wasn't considered for the national side before his â¬4 million switch to Belgrade in September.
"I've arrived with a mentality of steel," he said on Monday.
"I don't care if we have only a week or a month of preparation, now that I've got this opportunity, I don't want to leave. I'm here full of confidence and I want to prove myself."
Aliou Balde
Nice attacker Balde represented Senegal up to under-23 level, but has now opted for an international future with Guinea.
Eligible for the Syli Nationale via his father, the 21-year-old was born in Ziguinchor, Senegal, and graduated from the same celebrated Diambars academy that produced internationals Idrissa Gana Gueye, Kara Mbodj and Pape Souaré.
Balde played in Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland before swapping Lausanne for Ligue 1 club Nice in September.
After acknowledging his emotional turmoil after ditching Senegal for Guinea, Balde appears fully committed to the Elephants' cause.
"I will never disappoint [Guineans], and will give everything for this flag," he told the Guinean federation's media team. "I watched Guinea's matches at the AFCON and I saw it was a young team that played well.
"I analysed it, and it made a difference in my head. I thought about it a lot, spoke with my agent, and then the head coach Kaba [Diawara]; he explained me his tactical approach and that worked for me."
Chouaib Keddad
Algeria's Keddad is another late arrival on the international scene, set to make his debut for the seniors is who, despite turning 30 this month.
The CR Belouizdad defender has previously represented the North Africans' domestic-based side -- notably at the 2022 African Nations Championship, in which Algeria lost to Senegal in the final on penalties -- and has proved himself to be a solid operator in the domestic top flight.
These are times of change for the 2019 African champions, with many of the squad that achieved such success under Djamel Belmadi now discarded.
Amid a swathe of youthful arrivals, head coach Vladimir Petkovic appears to believe Keddad can compensate for some of the experience lost in the exit of Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani, Youcef Belaïli, and others.
A three-time champion at home, Keddad received a guard of honour from his club teammates after receiving his call-up, and vowed to make the Algerian population proud should he get his opportunity against Guinea and/or Uganda this week.
Chouaïb Keddad honore sa première et découvre le magnifique CTN de Sidi Moussa !