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 finish up with Group C below:
Senegal’s Moussa Ndiaye was named Best Player at the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Niger, paving the way for an eventual move to FC Barcelona and current club Anderlecht in Belgium.
Alagie Saine- Gambia (AC Horsens [DEN])
DOB: 20/01/2003
The Gambian defense is a major reason why the Young Scorpions enjoyed a perfect record in Group C with zero goals allowed and captain Alagie Saine was at the heart of it. We tried to avoid including players based in Europe but the 20-year-old was the leader of Gambia’s success with his aerial dominance and constant communication to his teammates. Saine is the star of the Gambian team but mention must be made to his center back partner Moses Jarju as well as sweeping goalkeeper Pa Ebou Dampha.
Abdoul Rachid- Benin (Ayema FC [BEN])
DOB: 27/10/2004
The all-action right back was up and down the flank all through the group stage for Benin and was the most consistent member of Les Guépardeaux. Rachid displayed not only his engine but also the ability to attack as well as track back for his defensive duties. It was an inconsistent group stage for the Beninese team in general but there is plenty of talent in the Cheetahs and Rachid will need to maintain his form to set an example for the rest of his teammates.
Ghaith Ouahabi- Tunisia (Espérance ST [TUN])
DOB: 02/05/2003
The Tunisia and Espérance ST midfielder is a name on the rise in Tunisian football with four starts for the domestic champions so far in the 2022-23 season and a prominent role for the under-20 team in Egypt. Ouahabi sits deep in the midfield and excels at breaking up opposition attacks with intelligent positioning. It becomes more difficult for the young midfielder when he is isolated on the wings due to a lack of pace but Ouahabi is a player to watch if he can continue to improve his distribution capabilities.
Sainey Sanyang- Gambia (Hawks FC [GAM])
DOB: 18/04/2003
The Hawks FC left back always appears to be calm and relaxed on the flank when he is defending or attacking. Sanyang set up two of Gambia’s goals during the group stage with excellent crosses and serves accurate passes when given time. Resists the urge to dive in on tackles and looks to maintain his positioning in Gambia’s defensive shape, something that is often an issue with young fullbacks.
