Can U-17: The 5 players who shone during the first day
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Caf
For this first day of the African Cup of Nations U-17 CAF Totalnergies, the attackers shone on the ground. Cafonline.com presents a selection of the 5 nuggets to follow after this first round of the competition.
Alynho Haïdara – 16 years old – striker – Ivory Coast
With his four goals scored, Alynho Haïdara is at the top of the best scorers from this first day of competition. “I play for my teammates, and they make it well,” he explained after igniting the field during the meeting against the Central African Republic, a match widely won by Côte d’Ivoire 6-1. His performance, marked by his speed and his sense of goal, dazzled the spectators and highlighted the ingenuity of the attacker.
The latter, which evolves within the Ivorian club Mainz de Jacqueville, has demonstrated a beautiful alchemy with its attack partners. His agility and vision of the game allowed Côte d’Ivoire to control the meeting and to dig the gap quickly.
Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba – 15 years old – attacker – Burkina Faso
His name could evoke those of champions who proudly wear the colors of Africa, such as Ashraf Hakimi, Ademola Lookman and Edmond Tapsoba. At just 15 years old, Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba is already a promise to continental football. A distant strike full of precision, a clever lob to come to the world, and here is the real player of Faso ready to mark his footprint.
The main craftsman of the victory of the small stallions, Tapsoba embodies the golden youth of Burkinabè football. Each movement of this prodigy on the ground is a demonstration of technical mastery, vision of play and a confidence that defies its age.
Emile Witbooi – 16 years old – midfielder – South Africa
At 16, Emile Witboo does not just follow in the footsteps of great African talents, he is ahead of them. During the victory of the Amjimbos against Egypt (4-3), he shone in a thousand lights, scoring a goal and delivering a decisive pass. A double impact that allowed his team to win this epic match.
His technical mastery and his game intelligence made a strong impression. His ability to manipulate the ball with so much finesse and organize the game led some observers to compare it to the illustrious Jay-Jay Okocha, due to his talent to dictate the rhythm of the meeting and create opportunities.
Vincent Gomis – 17 years old – goalkeeper – Senegal
Senegal has a title to defend, and Vincent Gomis is determined to do everything to achieve it. Author of a remarkable performance, the young goalkeeper was insurmountable in the first game of his team, allowing the Lion cubs of the Teranga to keep their cages inviolated after their 1-0 victory against the Gambia.
Despite the pressure to defend the continental title, Gomis did not tremble. His decisive interventions, especially on the opportunities of the Young Scorpions, reassured his team and showed that he could count on a high -class goalkeeper. His reading of the game, his ability to anticipate opposing shots and his imposing presence in the air make him one of the best young guards on the continent.
Ilies Belmokhtar – 16 years old – Right winger – Morocco
The first scorer of the competition, Ilies Belmokhtar clearly displayed his ambitions to shine on his land. As soon as he entered, the Moroccan striker marked the spirits with a decisive double during the brilliant victory of Morocco against Uganda (5-0).
His ease in front of the goal, his ability to stand out and his precision in the finishes made him one of the most noticed players of this first day. The AS Monaco player not only scored two goals, but he also showed his presence on the field, contributing to the offensive dynamic of his team.
