The prestigious CAF Awards 2023, held in the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco, celebrated the best of African football on the night of December 11th. The ceremony recognized the outstanding achievements of players, coaches, and teams throughout the year.
Here’s a recap of the winners and nominees across various categories:
African Player of the Year:
- Winner: Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
- Nominees: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Osimhen’s impressive season with Napoli, where he scored 31 goals and currently sits as the Italian league’s second-top scorer, earned him the coveted title of African Player of the Year.
African Young Player of the Year:
- Winner: Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)
- Nominees: Karim Konate (Mali), Angelo Fulgini (France/Mali)
Sarr’s exceptional performances for Tottenham Hotspur and the Senegalese national team secured him the Young Player of the Year award.
African National Team of the Year:
- Men’s: Morocco
- Women’s: South Africa
Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup cemented their place as the Men’s National Team of the Year. South Africa’s impressive displays throughout the year, including their participation in the Women’s World Cup, earned them the Women’s National Team of the Year title.
African Club of the Year:
- Winner: Al Ahly (Egypt)
- Nominees: Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)
Al Ahly’s dominance in Egyptian and continental competitions, including securing the CAF Champions League title, solidified their position as the Club of the Year.
African Interclub Player of the Year:
- Winner: Fiston Mayele (DR Congo, Pyramids FC)
- Nominees: Gabadinho Mhango (Malawi, Orlando Pirates), Percy Tau (South Africa, Al Ahly)
Mayele’s outstanding performances for Pyramids FC, including his crucial goals in the CAF Confederation Cup, made him the Interclub Player of the Year.
African Coach of the Year:
- Men’s: Walid Regragui (Morocco)
- Women’s: Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
Regragui’s exceptional coaching led Morocco to their historic World Cup run, earning him the Men’s Coach of the Year award. Ellis’s consistent success with the South African women’s national team, including their World Cup qualification, secured her the Women’s Coach of the Year title.
African Goalkeeper of the Year:
- Men’s: Yassine Bounou (Morocco)
- Women’s: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
Bounou’s remarkable performances for Sevilla and Morocco, including his crucial saves in the World Cup, earned him the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. Nnadozie’s consistent and impressive displays for Paris FC and the Nigerian national team secured her the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year title.
The CAF Awards 2023 was a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration for African football. The winners and nominees represent the continent’s outstanding talent, dedication, and passion for the beautiful game.