Achraf Hakimi of Morocco on Wednesday won the African men’s player of the year award.
The 27-year-old right-back beat out two past winners in Liverpool’s Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen to claim the prize for the first time in his career.
He said “It’s really an honour for me to be here today and I am proud to win such a prestigious trophy”, before thanking his family, teammates and Morocco coach Walid Regragui.
Similarly, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the prize for the best women’s player on the continent, beating out fellow countrywoman Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigerian Rasheedat Ajibade.
Yassine Bounou of Morocco also emerged the best men’s goalkeeper award and the Moroccan under-20 World Cup-winning side was voted best men’s national team.
Meanwhile Watford 20-year-old Othmane Maamma of Morocco claimed best young men’s player, while compatriot Doha El Madani retained the title of best young women’s player.
Cape Verde boss Bubista was awarded men’s coach of the year after leading the nation with a population of 525,000 to a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Nigerian Chiamaka Nnadozie won her third consecutive women’s goalkeeper of the year award.
Source: AFP
