The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the shortlists for the various categories of the 2024 CAF Awards. Several Moroccans are among the nominees in the top categories.
In the race for the Best African Player of the Year, Morocco national team captain Achraf Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, is a nominee. Hakimi is being recognized for his outstanding performances, including his contribution to Morocco's bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He's up against Ivorian Simon Adingra (Brighton), Guinean Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund), Nigerian Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), and South African Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns).
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The notable absence of Soufiane Rahimi raises questions. Despite playing a key role in Al-Aïn's Asian Champions League victory and being the top scorer at the Paris Olympics, the Moroccan player was not included on the list.
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In the Best Young African Player category, AS Monaco midfielder Elyes Ben Seghir represents Morocco. He's competing against promising talents like Ivorian Karim Konaté (RB Salzburg), Gambian Yankuba Minteh (Brighton), Senegalese Lamine Camara (Monaco), and Malian Oumar Diakité (Rennes).
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RS Berkane is the sole Moroccan club in the Best African Club category. They'll be vying against African giants like Al-Ahly and Zamalek (Egypt), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia), and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa).
The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony will be held on December 16 in Marrakech, celebrating the outstanding achievements of African football over the past year.