TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON 2025: Best XI unveiled as South Africa dominate

South Africa’s golden generation of rising stars were handsomely rewarded for their triumph at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, as the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) announced the official Best XI of the tournament.

Unsurprisingly, newly crowned champions South Africa led the way with four players selected in the tournament’s best team, including standout goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe and playmaker Tylon Smith, who was also named the Best Player of the tournament.

Lowe, who made the most saves (30) during the competition, was instrumental in keeping three clean sheets, including one in the final against Morocco.

His safe hands and calm distribution laid the foundation for South Africa’s historic first U-20 AFCON title.

Midfielder Tylon Smith, who was the playmaker of his team, 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 in pressure moments earned him the Best Player award and a key role in the tournament's Best XI.

Morocco, runners-up in the final, had four players included in the XI – Othmane Maamma, Hossam Essadak, Hamza Koutoune and Faycal Zahouani – a reflection of 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, while Egypt’s Mohamed Goweily, Nigeria’s Daniel Bameyi, and South Africa’s Neo Rapoo and Lazola Maku completed the elite lineup.

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

🏆 Recap:

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

  1. Fletcher Lowe (South Africa)

  2. Neo Rapoo (South Africa)

  3. Mohamed Goweily (Egypt)

  4. Othmane Maamma (Morocco)

  5. Daniel Bameyi (Nigeria)

  6. Lazola Maku (South Africa)

  7. Hossam Essadak (Morocco)

  8. Faycal Zahouani (Morocco)

  9. Hamza Koutoune (Morocco)

  10. Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone)

  11. 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