The U17 AFCON, which took place from April 29 to May 19, 2023, ended with the coronation of Senegal for the first time in its history against Morocco (2-1). The moment for Sport News Africa to stop on 5 talents who have marked the competition.
Amara Diouf (Senegal): All the scouts who traveled to Algeria for the CAN U17 had their eyes full of the talent of this Senegalese nugget. Top scorer of the competition with 5 goals, the 14 year old winger has put his opponents to the sword with his acceleration, dribbling and his ease to be decisive. The second youngest player of the competition has equaled the number of goals that a certain Victor Osimhen, in 2015. A way to gauge the potential of the young striker of Generation Foot.
Félicitations à nos joueurs Amara Diouf et Serigne Diouf, respectivement élus meilleur buteur ⚽️ et meilleur gardien 🧤 de la CAN des moins de 17 ans, Algérie 2023. #RaisingStars 💫 pic.twitter.com/heknEBWOqM
— FSF (@Fsfofficielle) May 20, 2023
Serigne Fallou Diouf (Senegal): Coming close during the final to kick the penalty for Senegal's equalizer against Morocco is proof of Serigne Fallou Diouf's leadership and responsibility. Throughout the competition, the player distinguished himself by his serenity and his personality. The 17 year old central defender is also very comfortable in reading the game to always be one step ahead of the opponent.
Souleymane Alio (Burkina Faso): It surprised many to see that neither a Senegalese nor a Moroccan was named best player of the CAN U17. This is because the surprise of Burkina Faso, Souleymane Alio, was there. If Burkina Faso has achieved a great performance by being 3rd in the competition, this 16-year-old winger is for a lot. Author of only 2 goals, he has especially seduced by his sharp accelerations that rendered his opponents powerless. With great speed and a disconcerting ease to eliminate his opponent, Alio has marked this edition of the U17 AFCON.
LE MEILLEUR DES MEILLEURS 🌟
Souleymane Alio est le Joueur de la Compétition TotalEnergies 👏 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/Z8jaZSzLWw
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 🏆 - FR (@caf_online_FR) May 19, 2023
Abdel Hamid Maali (Morocco): With his left foot, the Atlas Lion often found the right pass to launch his strikers. A vision of the game and an accuracy in his transmissions, the playmaker of Ittihad Tangier B was decisive during the final by being the passer on the goal of Morocco. In addition to his ability to play in the heart of the game and also on the right side, it is also his projection that is striking in his performances.
Ibrahim Diarra (Mali): Even if Mali did not manage to reach the final, observers will remember the talents within this squad. Among them, Ibrahima Diarra (17 years old). He was brilliant during the UFOA U17 tournament, which saw Mali win the title, and he has done it again, being very visible. His speed and explosiveness make him a great prospect for Malian soccer in the years to come.
