South African U20 national team coach Raymond Mdaka has named his 21-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament.
This edition of the Afcon U20 tournament will be hosted by Egypt, and Amajita are in Group B alongside Egypt, Nigeria and Morocco.
The tournament will be played between 27 April and 18 May 2025, as announced by Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile from September 27 to October 19.
Now, Mdaka has named his strongest possible squad with four players – Gabriel Amato, Thato Sibiya, Naledi Hlongwane and Thato Mpati – on standby.
Among those who made the squad are Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Kaizer Chiefs’ Mfundo Vilakazi.
Mamelodi Sundowns are represented by the likes of Asekho Tiwani, Gomolemo Kekana and Kutlwano Letlhaku.
These are players who have already tasted first team football at their respective clubs, and continue to make waves.
However, whether their clubs will be able to release them for the Afcon U20 tournament remains to be seen.
And that’s because the Betway Premiership season will still be in full swing during the tournament itself.
SUNDOWNS, CHIEFS AND PIRATES REPRESENTED FOR AFCON U20 FINALS
Goalkeepers: Fletcher Lowe-Smythe, Takalani Mazhamba, Kgoleng Ratisani.
Defenders: Tylon Smith, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Gopolang Taunyane, Sifiso Timba, Asekho Tiwane, Siviwe Nkwali, Neo Rapoo.
Midfielders: Gomolemo Kekana, Patrick Autata, Lazola Maku, Mfundo Vilakazi, Langelihle Phili, Shakiel April, Kutlwano Letlhaku, Faiz Abrahams.
Forwards: Jody Ah Shene, Thabang Mahlangu, Kgomotso Modiba.
CAN THIS SQUAD QUALIFY FOR FIFA U20 WORLD CUP?
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