BEVERLY HILLS, March 08, (THEWILL) – With Ghana’s triumph at the recently concluded Total Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), it was only fitting that Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was named “Player of the Tournament” especially after his dazzling displays for the Black Satellites led to their supremacy at the Mauritania-hosted event.
The teenager scored twice for the Ghanaians enroute to final victory to help them claim a fourth title. His artistry with the ball and efficiency in Ghana’s attacking flow, coupled with his dead ball mastery, caught the eye of the Technical Study Group (TSG) which believed him worthy of the award.
In his reaction, Issahaku said: “I feel delighted and privileged to win this award, but more so happy that as a team we won the trophy for the Ghanaian people. This is a motivation for us to keep working and hopefully we can take new and bigger steps in our careers.”
The left footed striker was also included in the collation of the tournament’s best XI. He formed part of a three-man attack that featured highest goal-scorer Uganda’s Derrick Kakooza, who won the Golden Boot with five goals and Burkina Faso’s Joffrey Bazie.
Between the sticks, tournament-winning goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim, who took home the Golden Glove could not have been left out of the best XI. Another finalist joining in the best team list was Uganda’s left back Abdul Aziz Kayondo, who was solid in defense throughout.
From the technical standpoint, Ugandan coach Morley Byekwaso was named the coach of the tournament after guiding Uganda to the final in their debut appearance while the Hippos won the Fair Play Award of the event.
A proud Byekwaso, after receiving his award remarked: “It is an honour for me and my country to be named the best coach. I am proud of the achievements of my players and we go back home with our heads high, knowing that we made history for Uganda.”
The complete Total U20 AFCON team of the tournament is as follows:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Danlad Ibrahim (Ghana);
Defenders: Abdul Aziz Kayondo (Uganda), Jawara Lamin (Gambia), Blondon Meyapya (Cameroon), Flory Yangao (Central Africa Republic);
Midfielders: Lamarana Jallow (Gambia), El Mehdi El Moubarik (Morocco), Chiheb Labidi (Tunisia);
Forwards: Joffrey Bazie (Burkina Faso), Derrick Kakooza (Uganda), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Ghana).
Coach: Morley Byekwaso (Uganda).
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
