The TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON 2025 is officially underway in Egypt, creating a platform for the biggest young talents across the African continent. The tournament has always served as a springboard for future African stars who make their mark in the tournament and go on to carve out iconic football careers afterwards. African legends such as Mohamed Salah, Yaya Touré, Samuel Kuffour, Michael Essien, and Seydou Keita all performed brilliantly in the tournament.
With the eyes of the whole world on them, the youngsters are playing for national pride and personal glory. Knowing fully well that the entire world’s attention will be on them, the players are striving to put in their best performance in order to impress scouts from European clubs and secure big moves to Europe. This article highlights six brilliant youngsters you should keep your eyes glued to during the tournament.
KPAROBO ARIERHI (NIGERIA)
The Nigerian forward has always been a nightmarish opponent for opposition defences. A household name in Nigeria already, Kparobo Arierhi announced himself on the continental stage with a brace in the WAFU U-20 Championship final to help Nigeria defeat Ghana. A deadly predator in front of the goal, his finishing touch will be a major determinant in how far The Flying Eagles will go in this tournament.
JERRY AFRIYIE (GHANA)
The Ghanaian hitman has a feared reputation in front of goal that rivals Kparobo Arierhi’s. Afriyie clinched the WAFU Zone B Championship best player award and tournament top scorer award as The Black Satellites fell to the Flying Eagles in the final. The former world champions are heavily reliant on Jerry Afriyie’s goal-scoring ability in this tournament. Deadly and composed in front of goals, his knack for belters from all distances will come in handy for Ghana against low blocks.
JODY AH SHENE (SOUTH AFRICA)
Top scorer at the COSAFA U-20 Championship, the young winger is blessed with blistering pace and excellent ball control. Creative and skillful with the ball at his feet, his ability to skip past opposition players with ease will prove vital to unlocking opposition defenders for South Africa. Ah Shene’s trickery and excellence in tight spaces could just be the spark they need in decisive moments.
MOHAMED ZAALOUK (EGYPT)
Egypt’s main man for the big occasions, Zaalouk, remains one of the most lethal weapons in Egypt’s attacking arsenal. The whole team will look up to their formidable marksman in their quest to conquer the continent on home soil. Zaoluck’s finishing touch could be key to accomplishing the quest. The Al Ahly striker, who is on loan to Future FC, is yet to get off the mark in this ongoing tournament.
PIERRE DORIVAL (SENEGAL)
Senegal’s midfield maestro excels at intercepting opposition attacks and launching quick counter-attacks in midfield. Pierre Dorival‘s ability to dictate play from the heart of the midfield will go a long way in determining if the defending champions’ quest to defend their title will be a success.
Elegant and composed with the ball at his feet, the Olympique Lyonnais’ academy player’s experience playing in Europe could give him a slight advantage over opposition players.
MOMOH KAMARA (SIERRA LEONE)
Momoh Kamara is the captain of the Sierra Leone U20 team, spearheading the team’s attack. Named the best player and joint top scorer at the WAFU Zone A tournament, Kamara has a sharp eye for goal.
This is Sierra Leone’s maiden TotalEnergiesCAF U-20 AFCON appearance. His clinical brilliance in front of goal could be a major deciding factor for the debutants. He is up and running in the tournament, announcing himself to the whole world with a thumping hat-trick against Egypt in their second group stage fixture. They sit atop Group A with 7 points.
