Amajita Dominate U-20 AFCON Awards

South Africa’s Amajita almost cleaned out all the CAF U/20 Africa Cup of Nations awards following their triumph in the youth tournament against Morocco on Sunday.

The CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) announced the official Best XI of the tournament, with the newly crowned champions, South Africa, who beat Morocco 1-0 on Sunday, leading the way with four players.

Among the South African selections were standout goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe and playmaker Tylon Smith, who was also named the Best Player of the tournament.

Lowe was a pivotal figure, making 30 saves and keeping three clean sheets, including one in the final against Morocco. His secure hands and calm distribution were fundamental to South Africa’s historic first U-20 AFCON title.

Midfielder Smith, the team’s playmaker, capped off a stellar campaign by scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against Nigeria. His ability to dictate play and rally his team under pressure earned him the Best Player award and a key role in the tournament’s Best XI.

Morocco, the runners-up, was not left as they had four players included in the XI: Othmane Maamma, Hossam Essadak, Hamza Koutoune, and Faycal Zahouani. This selection reflects their strong, possession-based approach throughout the competition.

Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, was also included. The elite lineup was completed by Egypt’s Mohamed Goweily, Nigeria’s Daniel Bameyi, and South Africa’s Neo Rapoo and Lazola Maku.

Coach of the tournament honors went to South Africa’s Raymond Mdaka, whose tactical discipline and faith in youth delivered a maiden continental crown for the Amajita.

Best XI of the Tournament (1-4-2-3-1):

• Fletcher Lowe (South Africa)
• Neo Rapoo (South Africa)
• Mohamed Goweily (Egypt)
• Othmane Maamma (Morocco)
• Daniel Bameyi (Nigeria)
• Lazola Maku (South Africa)
• Hossam Essadak (Morocco)
• Faycal Zahouani (Morocco)
• Hamza Koutoune (Morocco)
• Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone)
• Tylon Smith (South Africa)

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