Following an extended delay in competitive African football due to the coronavirus pandemic, this week's African Cup of Nations qualifiers have prompted another recruitment drive among the continent's biggest sides.
The likes of Sebastien Haller and Willy Boly made their debuts for African nations during the November international break, but which of these uncapped stars will make their bows in this window?
From players with Europe's biggest clubs to those switching nationality to young prospects making their first steps in the senior international ranks, here are the nine new faces expected to make their debuts this week.
1. Kwame Poku
Rarely has a youngster's maiden international call-up become a point of such controversy.
Croydon-born Poku was unheard of in his homeland a fortnight ago, but has subsequently become a major source of discussion -- and anger -- among Ghana fans and within the local media.
Amidst a vocal outcry about Ghana naming a player who plies his trade in the fourth tier of English football, the Colchester United midfielder was duly dropped to the home-based Ghana squad for their friendly against Uzbekistan rather than representing the Black Stars against South Africa or Sao Tome e Principe.
It's hard to know which is more baffling -- that a player featuring in English football was included in Ghana's home-based squad, or that Ghana's B team are playing a meaningless friendly away in Uzbekistan amidst global coronavirus constraints!
After prominent figures -- including ex-international full-back John Paintsil -- began questioning coach CK Akonnor's autonomy and decision-making in the local press, Poku was duly reinstated in Ghana's senior squad.
It's a baffling start to an international career for a 19-year-old, and what should have been an occasion for celebration -- albeit amidst questions on the merits of his call-up -- has now become a stick with which to beat the coach.
2. Emmanuel Gyasi
Sticking with the Ghanaian theme, Gyasi is a late bloomer, but makes the cut for the Black Stars after impressing in Serie A this season.
The Italian-born forward has looked a natural in the league so far this term, having a hand in nine goals in 28 appearances for newly promoted Spezia as they have enjoyed a campaign largely free of any relegation concerns.
He's featured almost equally on each flank for the Aguilotti this season, and the forward -- who has spent the entirety of his career in the land of his birth -- will be a valuable asset to a Ghana squad who remain a side in transition under CK Akonnor.
3. Munir El Haddadi
Fifa rules were changed -- twice -- to allow Munir El Haddadi (and similar cases) to change nationalities after representing one country at senior level in a competitive game.
Ahead of Morocco's friendly against Senegal in October, Munir appeared primed to finally make his debut after the regulations were changed once.
However, on the eve of the match, it was determined that he was still ineligible after it was discovered that he had represented Spain's U-21s despite being overage.
Once again, the rules have been tweaked, and Munir -- finally -- can make his long, long-awaited debut for the Atlas Lions.
"I'm delighted to be with the national team, and God willing, we will do beautiful things together like win the AFCON," Munir told the federation's official handle. "I thank the supporters who have always supported me, and will do everything possible to make them happy."
4. Amad Diallo
Diallo has already made a glowing first impression on Manchester United fans -- having scored his first Red Devils goal with a superb backwards header against AC Milan in the Europa League -- but can he now win over the Ivory Coast supporters?
The 18-year-old joined the Elephants' squad alongside club teammate Eric Bailly, and his explosive dribbling ability and searing pace could be key assets for the West Africans' attack.
The prospect of the youngster being an option from the bench to replace the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Nicolas Pepe or Gervinho ought to strike fear into the hearts of African defenders.
5. Fousseny Coulibaly
Another new face in the Elephants squad is Esperance captain Coulibaly who, for the last four years has established himself as one of the finest players operating for an African club.
The central midfielder, who has an awesome physique, and contributes both offensively and defensively, has endured a frustrating international career to date.
Born in the Cote d'Ivoire, the 31-year-old has been in Tunisia since 2013, and applied for citizenship of his new home in late 2017 with a view to representing the Carthage Eagles in the 2018 World Cup.
Ultimately those ambitions were foiled and, all these years later, he finally gets the chance to make his senior debut for the Ivorians having previously represented the home-based Elephants before his move to North Africa.
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6. Meyapya Fongain
Cameroon skipper Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting failed to join the Indomitable Lions for this international break after FECAFOOT apparently sent his call-up email to themselves... but at least the Indomitable Lions did manage to successfully communicate an invitation to wonderkid stopper Fongain!
The defender was one of the Central Africans' star performers at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, as they fell in the quarterfinals against Ghana, having conceded just once during the group stage.
Skipper Fongain caught the eye with his superb leap, quality in the air and mature marshalling of the backline, and despite being only 20, could be given some playing time as the hosts take on Cape Verde and Rwanda.
7. Abdou Diallo
Perhaps the biggest 'coup' of the international window, and proof that Africa can still compete with Europe's top nations for highly rated talent, Diallo has received his FIFA clearance to represent Senegal.
Until 2019, the centre-back was progressing through France's youth ranks -- even captaining the U-21s -- and was signed by Paris Saint-Germain from Borussia Dortmund only 18 months ago in a €32 million deal.
"It's time to roar," Diallo posted on his Twitter handle, with a Senegal flag and a lion emoji, "even if Covid risks preventing me from honouring my first cap, it's only a postponement.
"It is already an honour to be wanted by the coach and the people."
Ultimately, France's relaxation of the rules involving player call-ups means Diallo has been able to travel, and he automatically becomes one of the finest African defenders in the world today.
8. Ben Motshwari
Named in Stuart Baxter's preliminary squad ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Motshwari was mighty unfortunate to have been cut at the death ahead of that tournament despite his strong season for Orlando Pirates.
In the subsequent years, he's maintained his form for Buccaneers, establishing himself as one of the PSL's most consistent defensive midfielders in the process.
Had it not been for coronavirus, he surely would have been integrated into the squad more effectively before now, but he finally gets the opportunity - partly due to key Europe-based absentees - to prove himself to Molefi Ntseki.
9. Souleymane Coulibaly
Haller's absence from the Ivory Coast team due to a coronavirus diagnosis has opened the door for one-time wonderkid Coulibaly, whose ascent to the senior side has been a long time in coming.
Hailed -- somewhat reductively -- as the new Didier Drogba when he won the Golden Boot at the U-20 World Cup in Mexico in 2011, he moved on to Tottenham Hotspur but ultimately never made the grade at White Hart Lane.
Injuries, a few dodgy career moves, and a dispute with Al-Ahly in 2017 have massively affected his progress, although his form at Tunisian giants Etoile du Sahel gives the 26-year-old the chance to make up for lost time.