U-20 AFCON Best XI: Nigeria’s Bameyi Shines as South Africa Dominates Awards
Golden generation shines bright for Amajita
South Africa’s rising football stars capped their maiden U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in Egypt with a resounding sweep of individual and team accolades, led by playmaker Tylon Smith and record-breaking goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe.
Fresh off their thrilling final victory over Morocco, four South African players earned spots in the CAF Technical Study Group’s official Team of the Tournament, validating the Amajita’s rise to continental supremacy.
Goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe, who made a tournament-high 30 saves and kept three clean sheets (including a crucial shutout in the final), was named the Best Goalkeeper. His calmness under pressure and pinpoint distribution helped build from the back throughout the competition.
In midfield, Tylon Smith dazzled with his vision and composure. The architect of South Africa’s play scored the decisive semi-final goal against Nigeria and was deservedly named Best Player of the Tournament.
Also making the Best XI were defenders Neo Rapoo and Lazola Maku, further underscoring South Africa’s well-drilled defense under Coach Raymond Mdaka, who claimed the Coach of the Tournament honor.
Bameyi: Nigeria’s beacon of promise
While Nigeria may have missed out on the title, Daniel Bameyi proved why he remains one of Africa’s most exciting young defenders. Selected as the lone Nigerian in the Team of the Tournament, Bameyi’s leadership and defensive intelligence stood out despite his team’s semi-final exit.
Morocco and other standout performers
Finalists Morocco had four players in the Best XI: Othmane Maamma, Hossam Essadak, Hamza Koutoune, and Faycal Zahouani, recognizing their disciplined, possession-based style that took them to the final.
Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara claimed the Top Scorer award with four goals, while Egypt’s Mohamed Goweily completed the defensive lineup in the Best XI.
CAF’s elite U-20 Best XI – Egypt 2025
Formation: 1-4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Fletcher Lowe (South Africa)
Defenders: Neo Rapoo (South Africa), Mohamed Goweily (Egypt), Othmane Maamma (Morocco), Daniel Bameyi (Nigeria)
Midfielders: Lazola Maku (South Africa), Hossam Essadak (Morocco), Faycal Zahouani (Morocco)
Forwards: Hamza Koutoune (Morocco), Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone), Tylon Smith (South Africa)
Individual Awards:
- Best Player: Tylon Smith (South Africa)
- Top Scorer: Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone) – 4 goals
- Best Goalkeeper: Fletcher Lowe (South Africa)
- Best Coach: Raymond Mdaka (South Africa)
- Fair Play Award: Morocco
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