CAF Awards 2024: Five Contenders Battle for Men’s Player of the Year Glory

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The stage is set for one of the most fiercely contested races in the history of the CAF Awards, as five exceptional players remain in contention for the coveted Men’s Player of the Year title.

With no eliminations from the shortlist, the suspense builds toward the grand ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, where the winner will be unveiled at the Palais des Congrès at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT).

This year’s competition is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of the nominees, each of whom has carved a unique path to football excellence. Among them is Simon Adingra of Côte d’Ivoire, whose heroics during the 2023 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations propelled his nation to glory on home soil.

The Brighton & Hove Albion winger scored a dramatic 90th-minute equalizer in the quarterfinals and delivered two decisive assists in the final against Nigeria, earning the Best Young Player award. Adingra has also dazzled in the Premier League, showcasing his flair as part of Brighton’s dynamic young squad.

From Guinea, Serhou Guirassy commands attention for his phenomenal goal-scoring prowess. The striker netted 30 goals in 30 games for Stuttgart in the 2023-24 Bundesliga season before making a high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund. Guirassy’s impact has extended to the international stage, with 23 goals for club and country in 2024, including a hat-trick in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. His consistency and lethal finishing have set new benchmarks for excellence.

Achraf Hakimi of Morocco remains a stalwart at Paris Saint-Germain, where his leadership and skill helped the club secure a third consecutive Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. Hakimi also played a pivotal role in Morocco’s AFCON campaign and their bronze medal win at the Paris Olympic Games.

Widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, his performances have exemplified both consistency and versatility.

Ademola Lookman of Nigeria has been a revelation for Atalanta in the Serie A, where his electrifying performances turned the club into title contenders. His crowning moment came in the UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a stunning hat-trick to secure Atalanta’s first major trophy in 61 years.

Lookman’s brilliance extended to the international stage, leading Nigeria to the AFCON final with three goals and a place in the Team of the Tournament.

South Africa’s Ronwen Williams rounds out the stellar lineup. The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper delivered unforgettable moments with his penalty-saving exploits during South Africa’s bronze-medal AFCON campaign.

Williams also anchored his club’s defense as they clinched their seventh consecutive domestic league title, setting a record for the fewest goals conceded in a season.

His leadership and resilience have solidified his status as one of Africa’s finest shot-stoppers.

As the football world turns its eyes to Marrakech, the competition remains wide open. Each nominee represents the pinnacle of African football, having achieved remarkable feats that resonate beyond the continent.

The 2024 CAF Awards promise a night of celebration, suspense, and the crowning of a player whose impact has defined a year of unforgettable moments in the beautiful game.