The U17 World Cup kicks off this Friday, November 10, and runs until December 2, 2023 in Indonesia. With just a few hours to go before kick-off, Sport News Africa brings you 5 African players to watch.
Amara Diouf (Senegal, 15)
After conquering Africa, the world is ready to discover the young Senegalese nugget, Amara Diouf.African champion at the U17 AFCON in Algeria, he had dazzled all observers to the point of attracting all the big clubs to try and snatch him from Génération Foot. At the age of 15 years, 3 months and 2 days, Amara Diouf became the youngest player ever to play a match for the Senegalese senior team in the final round of 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Rwanda. He will be eagerly awaited for the Cubs' first match of the U17 World Cup against Poland on Saturday, November 11.
Ibrahim Diarra (Mali, 16)
Captain of the Mali national team, Ibrahim Diarra is the Aiglons' biggest talent. A player at the Africa Foot Academy, the left-handed attacking midfielder is rumored to be heading to FC Barcelona. There is talk that he has already signed a contract and will be joining the Catalan club's youth ranks after he turns 18. In Mali, however, this information has been denied. In Group B of this U17 World Cup with Spain, Canada and Uzbekistan, the young talent will be keen to reveal himself to the world.
Souleymane Alio (Burkina Faso, 17)
Best player of the U17 AFCON ahead of Amara Diouf, Souleymane Alio is a jewel who arrives in Indonesia to seduce all spectators. Impressive for his technical facility and decisiveness, he will be the spearhead of Burkina Faso, who will need his crack to face France, the United States and South Korea.
Serigne Fallou Diouf (Senegal, 16)
The Senegalese defender recently joined Gérération Foot thanks to his enormous potential. He caught the eye of his elders Abdou Diallo and Kalidou Koulibaly, who see a future for him in the senior national team. The 16-year-old stands out for his strong personality and character, making him the leader of this Senegal U17 team. With Serigne Fallou Diouf, confidence is natural: "Collectively, we have the arguments to win this World Cup."
Naoufel El Hannach (Morocco, 17)
Right-back for Paris SG, Naoufel El Hannach is one of his club's key players. Technically and physically on top form, he will be one of the key players in the Moroccan U17 World Cup squad.
