Senegal were crowned champions of the 2023 Under-20 AFCON after defeating Gambia 2-0 in the final on Saturday.
Early goals in both halves from Mame Faye and Mamadou Camara were enough to seal the title for the Teranga cubs.
Senegal have been a force to be reckoned with in the last 15 months, winning the Africa Cup of Nations, CHAN, Beach Soccer, and Under-20 AFCON.
The youth championships in Africa present an opportunity to unveil the biggest prospects on the continent. And in the 2023 edition, it was Lamine Camara who walked away with the Player of the Tournament award.
The French-based midfielder contributed two goals and two assists as the Teranga cubs blew away every opponent to claim the gold.
Bolanews takes a look at how the careers of the previous winners of the accolade have panned out.
2017: PATSON DAKA
The Zambian striker was an influential figure for the Junior Chipolopolo, who claimed their maiden title in Lusaka. His tally of four goals in the tournament was enough for him to be named the 2017 Young African Footballer of the Year.
The former Kafue Celtics striker went on to represent Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, where he wrote history. In 2021, the center-forward became the first Zambian to win the Golden Boot in a European league since 2004.
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His performances in Austria drew the attention of East Midlands club Leicester City, who paid a mouth-watering fee of €30 million. Daka has notched 15 goals in 35 starts for the English outfit, including a club-record six goals in Europe.
2019: MOUSSA N’DIAYE
Moussa N’Diaye was the most outstanding performer in the 2019 edition, where Senegal finished as runners-up again.
The left-back was a key member of the defense that kept three clean sheets in five games en route to the final.
In 2022, the defender secured a move to Belgian Pro League side Anderlecht. Later that year, he was called up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup to replace the injured Sadio Mane.
The former Barcelona academy prospect will be hoping that he can establish himself as a regular at RSC Anderlecht.
2021: ABDUL FATAWU
Fatawu grabbed two goals and set up another for eventual champion Ghana in the 2021 Under-20 AFCON. The dazzling winger won the Player of the tournament.
In 2021, the Guardian named the Ghanaian among the “Next Generation 2021”: 60 best young talents in world football.
A year later, Sporting CP signed the playmaker to a five-year contract until 2027.
Fatawu made his World Cup debut at last year’s World Cup in Qatar. He came on as a late substitute for talismanic figure Mohamed Kudus.
