Sport

Moroccan Talents Shine Bright at CAF Awards 2024

Friday 13 December 2024 - 07:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Moroccan Talents Shine Bright at CAF Awards 2024

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the final list of nominees for the prestigious CAF Awards 2024, scheduled to take place on Monday, December 16, at 7 p.m. in Marrakech. With a robust presence across various categories, Morocco has solidified its status as a powerhouse in African football.

Lionesses of the Atlas in Team of the Year Race

Morocco’s national women’s football team, the Lionesses of the Atlas, is among the three finalists for the "Team of the Year" award. Competing alongside Nigeria and South Africa, the team has garnered recognition for its impressive performances on the continental stage.

Rising Star: Doha El Madani

In the "Young Player of the Year" category, 17-year-old Doha El Madani has brought pride to Moroccan football. The AS FAR forward’s outstanding performance in the CAF Women’s Champions League, where she netted four goals, including a decisive one that secured her team’s spot in the final, has earned her a well-deserved nomination. El Madani is also a finalist for the "Interclub Women’s Player of the Year" award, joined by her AS FAR teammate, Sanaa Mssoudy.

AS FAR: Dominating Club of the Year Nominations

For the second consecutive year, AS FAR has been nominated for the "Club of the Year" award in the women’s category. With eight consecutive league titles and a CAF Women’s Champions League final appearance this year, the Military Club continues to assert its dominance in African women’s football. AS FAR remains the only Moroccan club to have won the prestigious continental competition.

Standout Performers and Coaches

AS FAR goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, who also represents the Lionesses of the Atlas, has been a key player for her club. Her crucial saves, including penalty stops, were instrumental in AS FAR’s success in the Champions League.

Two Moroccan coaches have also made the cut for the "Women’s Club Coach of the Year" award. Lamia Boumehdi, coach of TP Mazembe, and Mohamed Amine Alioua, coach of AS FAR, have been recognized for their leadership and tactical prowess. Both coaches faced off in the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League, highlighting their contributions to the sport.

Notable Exclusion

While Moroccan midfielder Eliesse Ben Seghir was initially shortlisted for the "Young Player of the Year" award, he did not make the final list. Despite an impressive start to the season with AS Monaco, the competition remains fierce, with nominees like Senegalese player Lamine Camara and Ivorians Karim Konaté and Oumar Diakité still in contention.

As anticipation builds for the awards ceremony, Morocco’s strong presence across multiple categories underscores the nation’s growing influence in African football. From players to clubs and coaches, Moroccan talents continue to inspire and set benchmarks in the sport.