European football powerhouses are intensifying their scouting efforts in Morocco, where the U17 Africa Cup of Nations is drawing widespread attention from top clubs seeking emerging African talent.
A host of elite teams—among them Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Crystal Palace—have sent representatives to the tournament, which kicked off in late March.
They are joined by continental heavyweights such as Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille, Monaco, and Lille, as well as clubs from Germany and Spain, including Bayer Leverkusen and Real Sociedad.
Two young stars from Burkina Faso have emerged as standout figures, commanding the spotlight and piquing the interest of scouts.
According to TBR Football, midfielder Mohamed Sako and striker Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba have become priority targets for several clubs keeping a close watch on the competition.
Sako, just 16 years old, currently plies his trade at the Basga Jo Academy in Burkina Faso.
His composed midfield displays, tactical maturity, and versatility have impressed observers, marking him out as one of the most promising young players at the tournament.
Multiple sources suggest that clubs are already making preliminary inquiries about his availability and long-term development path.
Even more buzz surrounds Asharaf Loukman Tapsoba, a 15-year-old prodigy who only celebrated his birthday in March.
Despite his youth, the forward has been electrifying defences with his pace, instinct, and sharp finishing.
With seven goals to his name, Tapsoba currently leads the tournament’s scoring charts—an achievement that has only amplified comparisons to African legends like George Weah and Victor Osimhen.
“His movement, awareness, and ability to strike in tight spaces are unbelievable for someone his age,” said one scout present at the event. “He’s got that rare combination of raw athleticism and football intelligence that you just can’t teach.”
Burkina Faso’s national team has reached the semi-finals of the competition, and the individual brilliance of both Sako and Tapsoba has played a major role in their success.
The pair’s performances have not only raised hopes of continental glory but have also cemented their reputation as two of the brightest prospects in African youth football.
As the tournament nears its conclusion, transfer speculation continues to build.
For now, the eyes of Europe—and beyond—remain fixed on Morocco, where the next generation of football stars is making its mark.
