Zambians dominate Afcon U20 Best XI

Five Zambian players have been named in the Caf Best Tournament XI including Player of the Tournament Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, Edward Chilufya, goalkeeper Mangani Banda and defender Solomon Sakala.

Daka and Chilufya each scored four goals while Fashion added three as the Junior Chipolopolo emerged Afcon U20 champions on Sunday after defeating Senegal 2-0 in a thrilling final befitting of the fully packed stadium at the 60 000-seater National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Solomon was solid in defense as he alongside Banda inspired the back four as they conceded just twice in five games going unbeaten to write history by winning Zambia’s first U20 title.

South Africa’s Luther Singh, who also scored four goals including a hat-trick against Cameroon in their Group B opener, as well as Guinean midfielder Sylla Morlaye whose ball control and decision making on the wings played a key role as the Junior Sylis finished third.

The Senegalese trio of defender Ousseynou Diagne who stands at over two metres, talisman Krepin Diatta and Ibrahima Niane complete the list that announces the crème de la crème of the eight-team continental tournament.

Lamine Sarr (Senegal), Prosper Chiluya (Zambia), Enock Mwepu (Zambia), Grant Margeman (South Africa), Liam Jordan (South Africa), Yamodou Toure (Guinea) and Mohamed Aly Camara (Guinea) made up the seven substitutes.

CAF Best XI

Goalkeeper: Mangani Banda (Zambia)

Defenders: Ousseynou Diagne (Senegal), Mamadou Mbaye (Senegal), Solomon Sakala (Zambia)

Midfielders: Krepin Diatta (Senegal), Ibrahima Niane (Senegal), Sylla Morlaye (Guinea), Edward Chilufya (Zambia), Fashion Sakala (Zambia)

Forwards: Luther Singh (South Africa), Patson Daka (Zambia)

Substitutes

Lamine Sarr (Senegal), Prosper Chiluya (Zambia), Enock Mwepu (Zambia), Grant Margeman (South Africa), Liam Jordaan (South Africa), Yamodou Toure (Guinea), Mohamed Aly Camara (Guinea)