CAF Awards: Stupendous Sadio Mane bags African Player of the Year gong

The worst kept secret was finally revealed at the elegant CAF Awards Gala in Rabat, Morocco as Senegal forward Sadio Mane was crowned the African Player of the Year.

The former Liverpool forward who made the switch to Bayern Munich this month scored the all-important penalties that won Senegal the Africa Cup of Nations and one that punched a ticket to the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup.

Done deal! Sven Yidah completes S.A move

Mane beat compatriot Edouard Mendy and former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah to the award as he successfully defended the gong he first won in 2019.

Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala broke the record for winning the most Women’s African Player of the Year awards after claiming her fifth crown, beating compatriot Perpetua Nkwocha.

Aliou Cisse who guided Senegal to their first ever Africa Cup of Nations title and a place in the Qatar 2022 World Cup walked home with the Men’s Coach of the Year award.

Pape Ousmane Sakho’s overhead kick for Simba SC against ASEC Mimosas earned him the Goal of the Year, beating wonderful goals including Gabadinho Mhango’s long-range effort in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegal, who lifted their maiden Africa Cup of Nations title by beating record champions Egypt in 2022 final, claimed the Men’s National Team of the Year.

Tera features in UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers

Al Ahly Cairo skipper Mohamed El Shennawy who was instrumental in their run to the final of the CAF Champions League where they lost out to eventual champions Wydad Casablanca was feted with the Men’s Interclub Player of the Year.

After lifting the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League, South African side Mamelodi Sundown’s ladies team was crowned the Women’s Club of the Year.

Men's Player of the Year

Sadio Mane (Senegal & Bayern Munich)

Women’s Player of the Year

Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria & Barcelona)

Coach of the Year (Men)

Aliou Cisse (Senegal)

Women’s Coach of the Year

Desiree Ellis (South Africa)

Goal of the Year

Pape Ousmane Sakho (Senegal & Simba)

Men’s National Team of the Year

Senegal

Men’s Young Player of the Year

Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal & Tottenham Hotspur)

Women’s Young Player of the Year

Evelyn Badu (Ghana & Sekondi Hasaacas Ladies/Alvaldsnes)

Men’s Interclub Player of the Year

Mohamed El Shennawy (Egypt & Al Ahly)

Women’s Interclub Player of the Year

Evelyn Badu (Ghana & Sekondi Hasaacas Ladies/Alvaldsnes)

Men’s Club of the Year

Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

Women’s Club of the Year

Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)