[tomlegg]

Africa has 10 months - and three big opportunities - to prove to FIFA and the world that it is capable of hosting global sporting tournaments.

The FIFA Under 20 World Cup kicks off in Egypt later this month (24th September), followed soon after by the FIFA Under 17 World Cup (24th October) and then the big one - 'The' World Cup - which kicks off on June 11th 2010 in South Africa. But lets concentrate on the U17 and U20 World Cups for the time being. Who will win? Who are the dark horses? Will the tournament be an organisational success/failure? Will the games excite like previous U17 and U20 tournaments? Who will be the stand out players?

I'd like to kick off this thread by tackling the latter of those questions; who I believe the stand out Africa players will be. Lets start with the U17:

1. Jerome Ouiya (Burkina Faso/Centre Naba Kango) - the 16 year old caught the eye of several scouts with his early exploits against Zimbabwe in the CAF U17 tournament. An impressive display and a hat-trick in his sides opening game. His consistency, or lack of it, in front of goal was what concerned me most during his appearances in the CAF U17's, he will need to address this area of his game before he takes to the pitch in Nigeria!

2. Hamed Zoungrana (Burkina Faso/Centre Naba Kango) - with Ouiya pushing the defensive line high like a more classic centre forward, Hamed tends to drop slightly deeper into the whole between midfield and defence. He scored two in his countries second game at CAF U17 and will no doubt add to his international goals tally at the FIFA U17 World Cup. Hamed's team-mates have dubbed him "Zidane Zoungrana", he's certainly not at the level yet... but you never know!

3. Nadir Bendahmane (Algeria/AS Cannes) - four goals in the CAF U17 tournament earlier this year, the Algerian attacking midfielder/second striker will be the difference between Algeria progressing in the tournament or falling flat on their faces.

4. Ebrima Bojang (Gambia/St. Etienne) - Gambia and CAF U17 top goals scorer with, if I remember correctly, five goals in the tournament. This glittering form earned reportedly interest from Inter Milan and Tottenham, but French side St. Etienne moved quickest to secures his signature after the championships. The striker is similar to fellow countryman Ousman Jallow in the sense he’s a fine all-round striker; good in the area, impressive awareness and movement off the ball, decent first touch and a keen eye for goal. Only time will tell if the 17 year old can transfer such form onto the European scene, but he’s certainly made an impressive start!

5. Mani Mohammed (Nigeria,?) - I've heard positive reports from other coaches in Nigeria about Mani, but I've never had the pleasure of seeing him play. He will be the Golden/Baby Eagles main striking threat, along with Lawal Hassan.

6. Festus Ajah (Nigeria/Pepsi Football Academy) - will be the creative force behind The Golden Eagles charge to World Cup glory on home soil. Similar in stature and skill level to Rabiu Ibrahim (although in my mind less talented), the Nigerian's will rely on the attacking midfielder to supply the bullets for Mani and Lawal.

7. Emmanuel Achor (Nigeria/?) - goalkeeper and first team captain, his undoubted talent and strong leadership will be called upon regularly and if previous tournaments are anything to go by, Achor's performances will decided whether the Golden Eagles are successful on homes soil.

Nigeria (Group A: Argentina Honduras and Germany), Gambia (Group C: Holland, Iran, Colombia) and Burkina Faso (Group D: Turkey, Costa Rica, New Zealand) all hold realist hope of winning the FIFA U17 World Cup. Nigeria and Gambia have more experience at this level than Burkina Faso, but in an easier group and with Jerome and 'Zidane' the latter country could have the most lethal partnership in the tournament. Ibrir Othmane's Algeria will pose a stern test for anyone, but qualification from a group including Korea, Uruguay and Italy will be a tall ask. Expect Malawi to be no more than tournament whipping boys, Spain and USA will no doubt kick them to the curb, I may on the other hand be proven wrong if they get off to a good start against UAE.

What about the Under 20 tournament I hear you ask, well:

1. Rabiu Ibrahim (Nigeria/Sporting Lisbon - on loan to Real Massama) - can Rabiu reign supreme like he did in Korea? It was the goals of team mate Macauley the grabbed most of the headline, but scouts from all over Europe were purring over silky midfielder Rabiu Ibrahim. Nigeria's new Jay-Jay Okocka? This tournament will hopefully go someway to proving that question right.

2. Macauley Chrisantus (Nigeria/Hamburg - on loan to SC Karlsruhe) - another star of Nigeria's U17 triumph in Korea, voted player of the tournament. Strong, direct and lethal in front of goal.

3. Ransford Osei (Ghana/Maccabi Haifa - on loan to FC Twente) - the top scorer in the 2009 U20 African Championships and second highest scorer in the U17 Korea in 2007. He's bulked up considerably in the past season; bigger, stronger and taller... he will pose a huge threat to opposition defences.

4. Daniel Opare (Ghana/Real Madrid) - Another African revelation at U17 Korea, Real Madrid liked what they saw so much that they snapped up the young attacking right back immediately after the tournament. Although quite slight, I would liken him to Rafael of Man Utd; fast and skilful, but their is one attribute that Rafael is still to learn and that Opare has; Defensive positioning and awareness!

5. Sadick Adams (Ghana/Athletico Madrid) - Similar to team mate Daniel Opare, Sadick was snapped up by the other side of Madrid - Athletico - after his impressive showing in the U17 tournaments; scoring four goals and setting up one of the tournaments most explosive and formidable front line partnerships with Ransford Osei.

6. Ishmael Yartey (Ghana/Benfica - on loan at Beira Mar) - The 'Ghanaians Giggs', Ishmael is the third member of the what Ghanaian journalists are dubbing - rather hopefully - their golden generation. A speedy, skilful winger - who can play both on the left and right - dazzled scouts at the U17 in Korea and U20 Africa Championships with his blistering runs. He's made a fantastic start to his season with Beira Mar scoring three goals in five game (starting only one of those games). Lets hope he carries that form with him to Egypt.

7. Charley Roussel Fomen (Cameroon/Marseille) - Strong defender who can play at left back or in the centre. On the face of it Cameroon lack real attacking thrust upfront, so the side will rely on a solid back-line to give them hope to progressing.

Ghana and Nigeria are the continents two potential champions. A strong Ghana side would expect to progress in a group consisting of England, Uruguay and Uzbekistan. Nigeria are drawn in one of the toughest groups with powerhouses Spain, the talented Venezuelans and minnows Tahiti. Egypt (Group A: Italy, Paraguay, T&T), Cameroon (Group C: USA, Korea, Germany) and South Africa (Group F: UAE, Hungary, Honduras) will all face uphill battles to make it into the second round.

Africa will have its doubters and its cheerleaders going into these three tournaments; a realist would predict the majority of the press, officials and fans alike will remain sceptical of Africa's ability, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, to host such tournaments. But I think the regular contributors to this African thread know these tournaments will be some of the most illuminating and colourful competitions we have ever seen.

[moha]

Good opening post, Thom!

I will give my predictions on the upcoming World Cups.

I've followed Ghana and Nigeria at the African youth Championship. The players who I think you should keep an eye;

You allready handled Osei. On other player from the Ghanaians whom I'm charmed of is David Addy. A tall, athletic, left wingback with good technique and who loves to come up. Don't know how he's defensively because he wasn't really tested. However, this season should be his breakthrough. He played in the double encounter against HSV, 1 of which time he played left winger, which is not his normal position.

The two centre defenders looked solid but nothing special. They where not tall for a centre back.

Right back was Samuel Inkoom who already represented the Black Stars. He derserved a transfer to Basel after a decent tournament with the Satellites. Decent Right back, not tall, but strong and at times solid defending. Don't think he's better then Daniel Opare. Who's in my opinion the number 'one' right back.

The son of legend 'Abedi Pele' André Ayew was the captain and one with much credit, unlike many other players. Where the credit is based on I don't know. Probably because he's the son of.... He didn't knew to impress. Big, robust, good balance, good left foot and charisma, but technically limited. He did not managed to distinguish himself.

Nigeria U20.

Lukman Haruna has a lot of talent, he was not for nothing the captain, but he and many other players of Nigeria played throughout the tournament under their level. Nevertheless a player to monitor, though I think that a lot of the Nigeria squad are older then they occur.

Nol Hendriks textile magnate who lives in Holland tipped Alex Nkume and Uchebo at Roda JC. The technical director (Martin van Geel) wanted to know nothing and had no interest. Hendriks then tipped off neighbor club VVV Venlo and soon they where invited for a trial. They managed to impress in the few weeks and the trainer said he knew enough and that he would like to see them coming to Venlo. They where called back by the federation to return to the Nigerian national U-20 team; as yet there is nothing signed, but that is in the line of expectation. Until they wait after the world cup to see if they're better clubs coming.

Enough about that. Who's Nkume? Nkume is a very athletic centre back, who holding despite he's height good pace. Moreover he's strong, good in the air, good passer of the ball (good left foot). Weakness are, positioning is not that good, tactically idem, issues that many African players have relatively.Of the defence of Nigeria who I'm think has the most potential.

Uchebo stood out for his unusual height. However he showed rather pace and decent actions with the ball. He was hardly to get off of the ball. From the left cutting inside to the goal. Surprising was that despite his height he was not really strong in the air. For a extraordinary long guy Uchebo is quite mobile with moving his body and pretty good with his feets.

[moqool]

Im clueless but I hope UAE play well in both tournaments since they represent the Gulf region right now.

Nigeria are probably going to win their fourth U-17 world championship since theyve made a habit of winning these tournaments lately.

I think Germany and Argentina might give people a run for their money in the U-17 world cup.

As for Egypt's tournament, I think a new team is going to win it, possibly Italy.

[tomlegg]

Great post Moha and its good to see a UAE supported flying the flag Moqool.

Points on the U20 tournament.

I agree with your comments regarding Ghana's captain Andre Ayew, I can remember seeing him quite a few years ago when he came on as a late second half substitute - and scored - in a 'World Poverty' charity match in Marseille. Although he looked impressive then its important to remember it was only a charity match and some of the 'antique footballers' that were on display had their tanks running on empty by the time Andre stepped onto the pitch. After watching him 'progress' over the last years I've been distinctly unimpressed with his physical development and technical progression; their are flashes of magic from him, but underneath this famous father facade there is nothing substantial in my mind.

Couldn't agree more with the shout out for Lukman Haruna, he's a lovely defensive midfielder with enough technical ability and vision to play in a more advance position in central midfield.

We'll have to keen an eye out for Nkume and Uchebo, they have not made the U20 squad but this may enable them to speed up both their moves to VVV Venlo.

BBC and other new agencies have reported today that Nigeria will be without three key players for the U20 tournament; Macauley Chrisantus has been left out of the final 21 man squad due to injury, central defender Kingsley Udoh is forced out due to visa complications (although the official line is that he's injured) and one of the youngest member of the provisional squad Ganiyu Oseni has been dropped due to a lack of first team appearances for his club side CSKA Moscow. Samson Siasia has called up Aberdeen winger and former England youth international Sone Aluko, Bayelsa United striker Stanley Ohawuchi and Kano Pillars midfielder Mo Shehu Shagari.

Here is the full 21 man squad:

Squad

Goalkeepers: Oladele Ajiboye (Wikki Tourists), Uche Okafor (Kaduna United), Olateru Oladapo (unattached)

Defenders: Nwankwo Obiora (Real Murcia, Spain), Nurudeen Orelesi (unattached), Raheem Lawal, Ibok Edet (CD Athletico Baleares, Spain), Daniel Adejo (Reggiana, Italy)

Midfielders: Lukman Haruna (Monaco,France), Rabiu Ibrahim (Sporting Lisbon,Portugal), Yakubu Alfa (Helsingborgs, Sweden), Oluwashina Abe (Sunshine Stars), Mohammed Shehu Shagari (Kano Pillars)

Strikers: Daniel Uchechi (Unattached), King Osanga (Heartland), Kehinde Fatai (FC Farul Constanta, Romania), Sone Aluko (Aberdeen, Scotland), Odion Ighalo (Granada, Spain), Gbolahan Salami(Sunshine Stars), Stanley Ohawuchi (Bayelsa United), Harmony Ikande (AC Milan, Italy)

It seems strange to me that Samson has left out Ganiyu Oseni from the final squad and called up two inexperienced youth international players in Aluko and Ohawuchi. I can only imagine that either he (Oseni) is injured or the latter two players impressed upon Samson more in the recent training camps. In addition, why has he left out Alex Nkume when he's just lost defensive stalwart Kingsley Udoh? Samson is one of the best youth manager in Africa so - for what its worth - I trust his judgement, he's obviously seen enough in training camps to be satisfied with the final squad he's taken.

The squad has raised a number of eyebrows in Nigeria due to the large amount of local based players. Samson had tended to stick with the players who he has nurtured over the past few years regardless of club performances os standing; but with a large majority of them now sitting in academy or reserve set-up's in Europe (some not even getting regular football) he's seemingly been prompted to take action and include players he feels are match fit and will benefit the squad more.

[microphone]

Hi,

I'm going to be working in Egypt at the U20 World Cup.

If anyone has any player biogs for the following teams

ITALY
EGYPT
PARAGUAY
TRINIDAD and TOBAGO
TAHITI
NIGERIA

I'd be grateful.
Anything would be better than nothing, so if you know anything at all
about the players.. please pass it on.


Many thanks

Microphone

[moha]

Tomlegg

I'm really suprised why he didn't take Nkume in his final squad. Weird. Especially when Udoh is not called up. His defensive line is very thin, it has only 5 defenders whereof two central defenders. Edet Ibok is however to the list. Edet is a very shaky defender. I fear for their defense.

Oseni obvious made the wrong choice to choose for CSKA Moscow. Like other foreign youngsters who play at CSKA they rarely get chances.

Tom, as you may already know the Netherlands under-17 will play at the World Cup against Gambia. Where should the Netherlands fear for and what are the strengths and weaknesses of Gambia.

I also believe that there considerable over-aged players. I fear for them that they caught at the World cup during the MRI test.

Indeed, they travel this weekend though to Dakar to undergo an MRI test.

Gambia U-17 in Dakar MRI test

The Gambia U-17 team will travel to the Senegalese Capital of Dakar where they will undergo an MRI test this weekend ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.
Gambia Sports Online has learned that the team will be travelling in two badges consisting of fifty players to be split into two halves. The first badge of twenty-five players will leave Banjul on Friday while the remaining players leave on Saturday.

According to the President of the Football Association Seedy MB Kinteh, the team will return back to Banjul on Sunday but the Gambian Doctors will remain in Dakar until Monday when they will return with the test results.

“The first badge is leaving Banjul today [Friday] with twenty-five players and the remaining twenty-five players will leave on Saturday to Dakar where they will undergo an MRI [Magnetic Resonance Imaging] test.

“The players will return on Sunday but the Doctors will remain in Dakar until Monday when they will come with the test results” Kinteh told www.gambiasports.gm.

I regret that it happened so late only, just ahead of the World cup.
zoeken

zoeken

[Catracho_Azul]

do you guys also have the U-20 squads of Egypt, Cameroon, South Africa, and Ghana aswell.

[tomlegg]

I've just posted a Egypt U20 preview on my blog: http://tomlegg.wordpress.com/

Feel free to have a read.

[Catracho_Azul]

breaking news, Yartei the Ghanian Giggs has been cut from the 21 man roster and will not be going to Egypt with the team aswell as an already suspended Saddick Adams.

[tomlegg]

Originally Posted by Catracho_Azul

breaking news, Yartei the Ghanian Giggs has been cut from the 21 man roster and will not be going to Egypt with the team aswell as an already suspended Saddick Adams.

There has been conflicting reports about why Yartey's been left out of the final squad by Tetteh, injury, lack of fitness but the most worrying theory is that Yartey - and his management team - refused to pay a bribe to the Ghanaian Under 20 coaching staff! The story has some weight being it in that fact that Tetteh has included perviously untested John Benson in the squad, a player currently on the books of the lavishly rich Aspire Football Academy in Doha, and with the squad having just spend the last few weeks at the luxury academy, some see the inclusion of Benson in the squad as 'payment' to the Aspire Academy for their hospitality.

Their is also suggestion that Yartey is unfit or out of form, but his recent performances for Beira Mar FC would suggest otherwise!

I wasn't aware of Sadick Adams ban Azul so thank you for pointing that out, that's another big blow.

Whatever the real reason behind Yartey's omission from the squad, its an astonishing turn of events and - coupled with the loss of Sadick - one that does not bode well for the Ghanaian squad going into the U20 World Cup.