The Africa U-20 Cup of Nations continues to boost its status as one of the most highly scouted competitions in world football as clubs from all over the world attempt to discover new talent from the continent at a young age. Multiple players from the 2021 edition moved on to new clubs in Europe, the Middle East and the United States following the tournament in Mauritania and it looks like many will graduate to the next step of their club and national team careers after playing in Egypt 2023. Pan-Africa Football highlights several players from each group who are impressing and we continue with Group B below:
Patson Daka was co-leading scorer at the 2017 edition for hosts Zambia and voted Best Player, later helping the Young Chipolopolo to the quarterfinals of the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup
Déogracias Bassinga- Congo (Diables Noirs [CON])
DOB: 11/08/2005
We highlighted the rising Diables Noirs striker as a player worthy of attention despite playing for a young Republic of Congo team that failed to advance from the group stage of the 2022 African Nations Championship. Now Bassinga is showing his immense goal scoring potential at the under-20 level as the Congolese team advanced out of Group B without trouble. The 17-year-old is a predator in the penalty area who accelerates to top speed quickly when he makes runs into open space. It appears Bassinga is not too far from being called up to the Diables Rouges senior team based on his rapid rise through the Congolese youth national team system.
Isma Mugulusi- Uganda (Makedonikos [GRE])
DOB: 10/10/2003
A prominent member of the Uganda team that finished as runners-up at the 2021 edition in Mauritania, Mugulusi’s career came under serious threat later in the year when the attacking playmaker suffered a devastating knee injury. Now at Greek second tier side Makedonikos, the former Busoga United star is back in full form and boosting his resumé with another impressive tournament as a member of the Hippos. The Uganda captain’s ability on the attacking end is well known but Mugulusi is also leading his team by winning and starting attacks from the midfield with his work rate.
Prince Soussou- Congo (Diables Noirs [CON])
DOB: 25/03/2003
Soussou and club teammate Bassinga form a potent attacking duo for the Republic of Congo with Bassinga’s goal scoring and Soussou’s technical skill. Congo continue to be a major threat from set pieces because of Soussou whose deliveries on corner kicks are at another level compared to his competition in Egypt. Soussou is the creative force in a Congolese team who are dreaming of reaching the FIFA U-20 World Cup and he could make the decisive play.
Daniel Bichiok John- South Sudan (Nairobi United [KEN])
DOB: 25/08/2007
The South Sudan team is the story of the competition after reaching the quarterfinals with the youngest team in the competition. At the very young age of FIFTEEN YEARS OLD is Bright Stars defender Daniel Bichiok John who continues to be a pest when South Sudan’s opponents attempt to attack. The Kenyan-based player is a brave tackler who is showing confidence against his older opponents and has time to develop his technical abilities. Bichiok will be a player to watch when South Sudan compete at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations later this year if he takes part in Algeria.
