U-20 AFCON: Nigeria’s Agbalaka Makes Group Stage Best XI

Following the conclusion of the group stage of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), tagged Egypt 2023, the Technical Study Group (TSG) has released their Best XI with Flying Eagles defender Solomon Agbalaka featuring in the squad.

A towering presence between the sticks, Senegal goalkeeper Landing Badji has been formidable for the Teranga Cubs in the group stages with three clean sheets and a hundred percent save ratio. At the right side of defence, Abdol Rachid of Benin impressed with his marauding runs to join the attack while being solid at the back for the Cheetahs.

In the heart of defence, Uganda’s Torach Ochaki and Alagie Saine of The Gambia partnered in front of goal for their brave defensive performances in the group stage. At left-back is one of the best performers of the 2023 Under-20 AFCON, Solomon Agbalaka of Nigeria.

The powerful full-back is a modern defender and he has influence in either box with his aerial ability. Agbalaka scored the all important goal for Nigeria in their 1-0 victory over Egypt.

Senegal’s Mamadou Camara sits in the middle of a midfield three as the anchor, while compatriot Pape Diop operates on the right side and Congo’s Prince Sousssou on the left. Pape Diop is the leading scorer of the tournament so far with four goals three coming in their 4-0 rout of host nation Egypt.

• Read more: U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles To Face Uganda In Quarter-Final

Déogracias Bassinga of Congo leads the line in the three-man frontline, with Pape Diallo of Senegal on the right and Rogers Mugisha of Uganda on the left.

The Gambia coach Abdoulie Bojang is at the helm of this team. The former Scorpions midfielder and U-17 coach showed his credentials as the Young Scorpions won all three matches in Group C.

Best XI

Goalkeeper Landing Badji (Senegal); Defenders Abdoul Rachid (Benin), Torach Ochaki (Uganda), Alagie Saine (The Gambia), Solomon Agbalaka (Nigeria); Midfielders Mamadou Camara (Senegal), Pape Diop (Senegal), Prince Sousssou (Congo); Forwards Pape Diallo (Senegal), Rogers Mugisha (Uganda), Déogracias Bassinga (Congo).

Coach

Abdoulie Bojang (The Gambia).

Team Fair Play award

🇳🇬 Nigeria claim the #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 group stage fair play award 👏 pic.twitter.com/jvOcuy0NKP

— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 28, 2023

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria won the Team Fair Play award after the Group Stages of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt.

They will be aiming to qualify for the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup when they take on Uganda on Thursday.

CAF/MTO