The CAF Africa U-20 Cup of Nations brings together some of the continent’s finest talent
Top four sides will earn qualification to the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup
Charles Mumba Majapa, Daniel Bamaiyi and Samba Diallo are among those looking to impress.
The 2023 CAF Africa U-20 Cup of Nations kicks off in Egypt on 19 February and will run until 11 March.
For three weeks, the continent’s most promising young players in the U-20 age category will lock horns in the quest for the trophy, with four qualifying berths at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Indonesia 2023™ also at stake.
Here are five exciting prospects to keep a close eye on during the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
Mozambique
Fasistencio Maria Faza Joao (‘Fazito’)
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 19
Fasistencio Maria Faza Joao – better known as Fazito – is set for his second international tournament in the space of a few weeks after competing in Algeria last month for the African Nations Championship, a competition reserved for players based in their respective domestic leagues.
As he looks to shine in Egypt, the young Ferroviario de Nampula goalkeeper will likely showcase one of his major attributes: his talent on the ball. Left-footed, Fazito enjoys a reputation as a hard worker and can often be found finishing his training sessions with a muscle workout.
Quick to react between the posts, comfortable in the air and explosive off his line, the Mozambican also boasts excellent reflexes in a growing repertoire that is set to attract onlookers in Egypt.
Nigeria
Daniel Bamaiyi
Position: Centre-back
Age: 19
Daniel Bamaiyi is a player making constant progress. Named captain of the Flying Eagles for their last game, a friendly against Zambia, Bamaiyi has been taking on more and more responsibility in Ladan Bosso’s team.
Nicknamed the General, the right-footed defender is known for his sense of anticipation, his maturity and his aerial dominance, while his precision and capacity for winning one-on-one challenges make him almost impossible to get past.
Quick, hard-hitting and blessed with good jumping ability, he is also improving his distribution, as he prepares to star for the youth side.
Egypt
Ahmed Shereef
Position: Forward
Age: 19
As the local hopeful in our selection, Egypt’s U-20 captain will be eager to impress in front of home crowds. Known for his superior technique, dribbling ability and pace, Ahmed Shereef is also a clinical finisher in any situation in front of goal.
He is likewise capable of leaving opponents in his wake thanks to a slick array of tricks, with a knack for quick step overs among the tools in his box. Given the absence of Moustafa Ashraf, Shereef is the key player in Mahmoud Gaber’s system, and while he usually operates on the right of the attack, he has also been known to drop back and bolster the defence.
The goal now for Shereef and his team-mates will be to match the feats of their predecessors in 1991, when Egypt won the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations as hosts.
Zambia
Charles Mumba
Position: Midfielder
Age: 18
With his bursts of pace and excellent vision, Charles Mumba is a special talent who can orchestrate the action for his team-mates or make the difference on his own.
Voted player of the tournament at the 2022 COSAFA (the qualifying tournament for this Africa U-20 Cup of Nations), the Atletico Lusaka midfielder stands out thanks to his superb physical attributes and fine technique. Mumba is capable of both recovering possession and launching moves, while bringing structure and balance to the midfield.
Despite being only 18, he is already seen as a player with genuine maturity on the pitch, capable of taking responsibility while always remaining calm and clear-sighted, qualities which feed his savvy reading of the game.
Senegal
Samba Diallo
Position: Forward
Age: 19
His nation’s top scorer during qualifying with three goals, Dynamo Kyiv left winger Samba Diallo looks to be the latest in a long line of gifted Senegal forwards. Alert, quick, full of tricks and near-unstoppable in one-on-one situations, the Young Lions of Teranga captain is capable of changing a match single-handedly.
He combines speed and creativity, maintaining his effectiveness even at full pace, which explains why Senegal coach Malick Daf relies heavily on his unique skill set.
Under contract with Dynamo until 2026, Diallo spent last season playing for the Ukrainian club’s U-19 side and racked up five goals in eight UEFA Youth League appearances.
By FIFA.com
