As Morocco and South Africa prepare for Sunday’s final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, five technical experts and international scouts, including former Super Eagles forward, Daniel Amokachi, attending the tournament say Africa’s football is not just growing — it has already evolved significantly.
For the respected members of the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) and global scouts who have followed the tournament closely, the competition has not only revealed future stars but also highlighted how far African youth football has matured tactically and mentally.
“People often say African football is growing, but I always tell them it has already grown,” said Daniel Amokachi, former Nigerian international and TSG member.
“If it hadn’t, we wouldn’t have so many top African players competing all over the world.”
That belief is at the heart of the buzz surrounding Sunday’s final. The tournament has shown a clear shift in how African youth teams approach the game — from tactics to discipline to coaching behaviour on the touchline.
Amokachi, a former Everton striker who is also a trained Nigerian coach, said one of the standout signs of progress is the composure of the coaches.
“In the past, young African coaches would bark instructions non-stop. I’ve been there myself — shouting from the touchline,” he recalled.
“But now, even when teams are behind, coaches stay composed. They communicate with clarity and confidence. That’s a major step forward.”
It is not just about coaching demeanor — on the pitch, tactical evolution has also been evident.
