Flying Eagles’ defender Solomon Agbalaka has been named as part of the “Best Eleven” of the group stage at the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt.
The Technical Study Group (TSG) set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the list on its official website on Tuesday.
Agbalaka was the hero in the Flying Eagles’ match against against Egypt, scoring a vital goal in their 1-0 victory.
The 19-year, who was voted as the Man of the Match in Nigeria’s last two group stage games against Egypt and Mozambique, has scored one goal and provided an assist while being part of the Flying Eagles’ team that has kept two cleansheets in this tournament so far. He was named as the starting left back in the group stage XI.
The #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 group stage best XI:
4⃣ ✖️ 🇸🇳
2️⃣ ✖️ 🇨🇬
2️⃣ ✖️ 🇺🇬
1️⃣ ✖️ 🇧🇯
1️⃣ ✖️🇬🇲
1️⃣ ✖️🇳🇬👔 ✖️🇬🇲 pic.twitter.com/WaPkfTVohK
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 28, 2023
Senegal goalkeeper Landing Badji, a towering presence between the sticks, was named as the best goalkeeper of the group stages with three clean sheets and a 100 percent save rate.
Protector of the Lions of Teranga 🦁@Fsfofficielle's Landing Badji is the best #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 group-stage goalkeeper! 🧤 pic.twitter.com/7iAFqWf3vL
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 28, 2023
At right back, Abdoul Rachid Moumini of Benin got the nod with his impressive performances in the Cheetahs’ three games. The 18-year-old was solid at the back with his excellent runs on the right side.
In the center of defense, the TSG went for a formidable partnership of Uganda’s Torach Ochaki and Alagie Saine of The Gambia for their bravery in defense.
Both players featured in all three group stage matches for their respective teams. Saine, The Gambia’s captain, has already scored two goals and was named Man of the Match twice, while also assisting the Young Scorpions to a total shotout in defense.
Two other Senegalese players, Mamadou Camara and Pape Demba Diop, were called on in the midfield three, along with Congo’s Prince Soussou.
Diop, who is the leading scorer of the tournament so far with four goals, including a hat-trick in their 4-0 rout of hosts Egypt, has been Senegal’s best performer at the tournament. He was also selected as the best player of the group stage.
Pape Diop.
Remember the name.🇸🇳 The Senegal star is deservedly the best player of the #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 group-stage! 💪@Fsfofficielle pic.twitter.com/i491LICDjV
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 28, 2023
In attack, a front-three of Pape Diallo of Senegal, Rogers Mugisha of Uganda, and Congo’s Deogracias Bassinga led the line, with latter on target in their first win against South Sudan.
Diallo, who was recently signed by French Ligue 2 side FC Metz, has two goals in the tournament, including a brace against Mozambique’s Mambas.
Mugisha’s frightening pace was a problem for opposition defense throughout the group stage, eventually getting him the Man of the Match honour in Uganda’s 2-1 victory against the Central African Republic.
Abdoulie Bojang, The Gambia’s head coach was selected as the manager of the group stage. The former Gambian international led the Young Scorpions to triumph in all their group matches without conceding a goal.
Leading the Gambia to a stunning campaign so far 🦂
🇬🇲 Abdoulie Bojang is the #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 group stages best coach 👔 pic.twitter.com/AwQSHxJaYt
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 28, 2023
Additionally, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria won the fair play award for the group stage.
🇳🇬 Nigeria claim the #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 group stage fair play award 👏 pic.twitter.com/jvOcuy0NKP
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 28, 2023
FULL GROUP STAGE BEST XI
Goalkeeper: Landing Badji (Senegal)
Defenders: Abdoul Rachid (Benin), Torach Ochaki (Uganda), Alagie Saine (The Gambia), Solomon Agbalaka (Nigeria)
Midfielders: Mamadou Camara (Senegal), Pape Diop (Senegal), Prince Sousssou (Congo)
Forwards: Pape Diallo (Senegal), Rogers Mugisha (Uganda), Déogracias Bassinga (Congo)
Coach: Abdoulie Bojang (The Gambia)
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