AFCON U20: Torach, Mugisha named in best XI of the group stage

A towering presence between the sticks, Senegal shot stopper Landing Badji has been formidable for the Teranga Cubs in the group stage 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.

The youngster has a sweet right foot and in their final Group C match against The Gambia his fiercely struck effort was turned away by Gambian custodian.

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.

The duo featured in all three group stage matches for their side while for their teams. Alagie Saine who captains The Gambia has two goals to name and he was named Man of the Match on two occasions.

At left-back is one of the best performers of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2023, Solomon Agbalaka of Nigeria.

The powerful full-back is a modern defender and he has influence in either box with his aerial ability. Solomon 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.

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.

Pape Diallo starred at the TotalEnergies African Nations (CHAN) 2022 in Algeria and the new Metz FC recruit was a delight to watch in the group stage scoring twice in the 3-0 hammering of Mozambique.

Rogers Mugisha of Uganda caused defenders in Group B all sorts of problems with his trickery and the ability to place the final pass for a teammate. The youngster was named the Man of the Match in Uganda’s 2-1 victory over the Central African Republic.

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.

The former Steve Biko coach was able to guide his team by playing a beautiful brand of football. He made 10 changes to his starting lineup against Benin and his team still won which goes to show the brilliant coach he is.

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)