Four to Watch: Stars set to shine in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON final
As the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt nears its climax, all eyes turn to the eagerly awaited final between Morocco and South Africa on Sunday in Cairo.
Both sides have impressed throughout the tournament, earning hard-fought victories in the semi-finals and showing depth, resilience, and flair in their run to the title decider.
At the heart of these performances lie a handful of exceptional young talents—players who have not only carried their teams forward but are also expected to play pivotal roles in determining who lifts the trophy.
Among those set to take centre stage are two Moroccan stars—midfield anchor Reda Laalaoui and the versatile forward Jones El Abdellaoui—as well as South Africa’s attacking spark Thabang Mahlangu and midfield maestro Shakeel April.
With goals, assists, and standout performances, these four have defined their nations’ tournament narratives and could now etch their names into history.
1. Thabang Mahlangu (South Africa, Supersport United, Age 19)
Mahlangu has been one of the tournament’s breakout stars. The Supersport United forward has played in six matches, scoring three crucial goals—including a match-winning strike against DR Congo in the quarter-finals.
He earned a Man of the Match rating of 7.8 in that game and another solid 6.7 against Nigeria in the semi-final.
A livewire with sharp movement and instinctive finishing, Mahlangu’s influence in the final third could be South Africa’s trump card on Sunday.
2. Shakeel April (South Africa, Cape Town City, Age 19)
Another key cog in South Africa’s run, April is a dynamic midfielder with a knack for unlocking defences.
In five matches played, April has registered one goal and one assist—most notably setting up Mahlangu’s winner against DR Congo.
His technical skill and vision were on full display in that quarter-final, where he posted a good match rating.
Despite a minor injury in the semi-final against Nigeria, April’s creativity remains vital in the final.
3. Jones El Abdellaoui (Morocco, Celta Vigo, Age 19)
The Spanish-based forward has featured in three matches for Morocco and made them count—scoring against Egypt in the semi-final and notching a 7.6 rating in just 26 minutes.
The Celta Vigo man brings top-level experience and clinical finishing to Morocco’s attack.
His goal against the hosts secured their place in the final and showed he has the temperament for big moments.
4. Reda Laalaoui (Morocco, FUS Rabat, Age 20)
Morocco’s midfield general, Laalaoui has been instrumental in their journey to the final.
The FUS Rabat star has started four matches, earning rave reviews for his control and consistency.
His 8.1-rated display over 120 minutes against Sierra Leone in the quarter-finals stood out as one of the tournament’s best individual performances.
Calm under pressure and precise in distribution, Laalaoui’s leadership and poise will be essential in the final.
