Top 10 Goalkeepers Under 30 Lighting Up CHAN 2024

Brief Summary

• CHAN 2024 is showcasing exceptional young goalkeepers under 30 from across Africa.
• Burkina Faso’s Ladji Brahima Sanou leads with seven saves, followed by standout performances from Tanzania’s Yakoub Suleiman and Uganda's Joel.
• These goalkeepers are making decisive contributions with crucial saves and game-changing performances.

Deep Dive!!

The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) competition, which is currently underway and jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, PAMOJA features some extremely well talented goalkeepers who are showing off their skills and saving their teams.

In this article, we focus on the top 10 goalkeepers under 30 years of age competing at the CHAN 2024, analyzing their saves, standout performances, and memorable Man of the Match displays.

10. Saturnin Ngarsouma (Central African Republic, 26)

Despite losing to Mauritania and Burkina Faso, Ngarsouma is a key part of his team and has shown promise in his debut at the CHAN 2024. He has made two crucial saves in the competition, and with two more group stage games to come against Tanzania and Madagascar, more saves are likely to come from the youngster.

9. Abderrahmane Sarr (Mauritania, 20)

The young goalkeeper has made two exceptional saves in the #CHAN24 tournament. His most notable performance was displayed when Mauritania stunned the Central African Republic, CAR, in a 1-0 defeat. Sarr has been crucial to his national team with his incredible saves and swift decision-making.

8. Simon Samba (DR Congo, 24)

Congo’s Simon Samba has made two saves in the #CHAN24 and is a vital member of his national team’s midfield-heavy defence. Especially when faced in one-on-one scenarios, Samba have come up strong and remained highly competitive with his clutch stops.

7. Mehdi Harrar (Morocco, 24)

Harrar is 24 years old now, but turns 25 by November. He has also made two saves in the competition, adding to his team’s youthful roster. Harrar’s shot saves and quickness have been pivotal to Morocco’s defensive solidity as they look to progress in the competition.

6. Mahamadou Djibo (Niger, 29)

Djibo has recorded three saves so far for his team, and they already depend on him at the goal post. Niger has benefited from his prowess, as he has posed a threat to the most formidable opponents. It is safe to name him among the best goalkeepers in the competition with his diving saves that have kept his team afloat.

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5. Zakaria Bouhalfaya (Algeria, 28)

With three saves already made, Bouhalfaya has a wealth of domestic experience for #CHAN24. Algeria has benefited from his ability to remain composed under duress, especially in games where their defence was the target of constant attacks. With two games left in the group stage against Guinea and Niger, Bouhalfaya’s skills should come in handy.

4. Michel Ramandimbisoa (Madagascar, 30)

Ramandimbisoa has definitely earned a spot on this list with four crucial saves. He has shown his promise as a star, helping his team manage a draw in their opening game. Their next games against Burkina Faso and CAR give room for the goalkeeper to display more of his skilful saves.

3. Joel Mutakubwa (Uganda, 30)

Mutakubwa was praised for being the tactical anchor of the defence and won the TotalEnergies Man of the Match for his impressive saves and aerial control during Uganda's 2-1 victory over Niger. Uganda have had quite an eventful run in the tournament's group stage with 2 wins and just a defeat from Algeria, thanks to Mutakubwa's strength and speed in the defense.

2. Yakoub Suleiman (Tanzania, 25)

With five saves, Tanzania's 25-year-old Yakoub Suleiman has been a pillar of the co-hosts' defensive strength. Suleiman has stepped up when playing at home, fending off opposition attacks with poise and dexterity. His performances have been essential in Tanzania’s outstanding group-stage showings, making him a fan favourite.

1. Ladji Brahima Sanou (Burkina Faso, 22)

Leading the pack is Burkina Faso’s 22-year-old phenom, Ladji Brahima Sanou, who has made an astounding seven saves so far. Sanou has had an amazing debut at CHAN 2024, keeping Burkina Faso competitive in closely contested games with his lightning-fast reflexes and authoritative presence. He is regarded as one of the tournament's most promising young players because of his ability to read the game and make critical stops.