Esrom Paulos, Kur Arob, Kor Deng named among top prospects from African Nations Cup Victoria
The African Nations Cup unveiled future stars who could follow in the footsteps of current African-born Socceroos Garang Kuol, Awer Mabil and Thomas Deng. See the names.
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The African Nations Cup men’s final in Victoria was nothing short of a spectacle.
After 20 teams and more than 500 players took part in the group stages, it came down to a thrilling extra time and penalty shootout to decide the winner between South Sudan and DR Congo.
The cup looked destined for DR Congo when they took a 3-1 advantage early in extra time although South Sudan managed a comeback for the ages, scoring two goals in the dying stages to send the game to penalties.
South Sudan completed the amazing comeback in penalties, sending the crowd wild as they took home the cup.
The tournament, organised by Football Empowerment and supported by Football Victoria was aimed at providing pathways and opportunities for young aspiring athletes and supporting them in their football and life journeys.
The event also featured a women’s competition which was won by South Sudan. AFLW player Akec Makur Chuot led the way in her team’s triumph over Uganda in the deciding match.
Football Empowerment director Tom Yabio said the tournament was filled with many special moments.
“The tournament’s been great,” Yabio said.
“There have been a lot of good moments and it has aligned well with the World Cup.
“The games have been played in great spirit and it has been brilliant to bring the community together.”
Following the event, held in December, the top prospects from the tournament have been compiled below.
Some of these youngsters could follow in the footsteps of current African-born Socceroos in Garang Kuol, Thomas Deng and Awer Mabil.
TOP PROSPECTS FROM THE AFRICAN NATIONS CUP VICTORIA
Esrom Paulos
Position: Forward/Attacking midfielder
Club: Green Gully
The 18-year-old is an exciting left-footed technical forward who is skilful and can finish well in front of goal. In the NPL U18 qualification rounds, Paulos scored seven goals in nine games helping his side qualify for Division 1 in the regular season. He would then finish his season with 14 goals from 22 games, coming second in the league goal scoring tally. His impressive performances led to a call-up to the under 21s team where he scored four goals. He finished the season with a debut in the Green Gully senior team in round 26 against Dandenong Thunder.
African Nations Cup team: Eritrea
Kur Arob
Position: Defender
Club: Melbourne City youth
The 20-year-old featured in Melbourne City’s U23 youth team in 2022. Arob is a versatile defender who can perform anywhere across the back four. He is strong and powerful and has height to his advantage. He is also quick and athletic which makes him good at defending space. The youngster is also a good reader of the play which helped in his side’s successful African Nations Cup campaign.
African Nations Cup team: South Sudan
Kor Deng
Position: Defender
Club: Caroline Springs George Cross
The 20-year-old has elite athleticism which makes him tough to beat one-on-one. He is reliable and precise on the ball with great tenacity as a defensive player. He is capable of defending a wide array of attackers. He has great overall defensive attributes which could develop into something special at higher levels.
African Nations Cup team: Ethiopia
Steve Fidele
Position: Forward
Club: Melbourne Knights
A forward with strong dribbling skills that can beat defenders in one-on-one situations. Fidele, 20, also has speed and a low centre of gravity which help him as a lively forward. He scored 58 goals in two seasons as a junior at Murray United. He then moved to Box Hill United in where he played in the senior team in 2021. He moved to Melbourne Knights last season where he score five goals in the U21 side from 14 matches.
African Nations Cup team: DR Congo
Garang Arou
Position: Defender
Club: Green Gully
A versatile defender who isn’t afraid to step out of defence and into attack as a threatening option. He is comfortable having the ball at his feet in high pressure situations with an ability to evade players with his pace and dribble. The 19-year-old had a breakout 2022 season where he made his senior starting debut for Green Gully in round 26 against Dandenong Thunder, playing the full 90 minutes. An exiting 2023 season awaits for Arou.
African Nations Cup team: South Sudan
Emmanuel Kamara
Position: Defender/Defensive midfielder
Club: North Sunshine Eagles
A versatile player who relishes one-on-one challenges. Kamara, 21, is well known for his passing, dictating play. He is tactically savvy where he can play in midfield if need be. The young talent made his starting senior debut for North Sunshine Eagles featuring a full 90 minutes in a preliminary Australia Cup game on April 26 against Goulburn Valley Suns.
African Nations Cup team: Liberia
Tutu Taya
Position: Defender
Club: Goulburn Valley Suns
The 19-year-old has clever positioning as a defender which prevents attackers from gaining advantages. He has good speed which makes him handy in one-on-one situations. He is also strong in the air helped by his height. Taya has played at the Goulburn Valley Suns since he was in the U12 team. He had a breakthrough season in 2022 where he made his senior debut in round four against North Geelong and went on to play eight senior matches for the season.
African Nations Cup team: DR Congo
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