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Morocco Dominates 2023 CAF Awards Nominations

Friday 08 December 2023 - 17:15 By: Dakir Madiha

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Morocco has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in African football, evident in its robust presence across multiple categories for the upcoming 2023 CAF Awards scheduled for July 21 in Marrakech. Leading the nominations, Morocco boasts representation in an impressive 12 out of 14 categories.

In the highly coveted "Player of the Year" award for men, star right-back Achraf Hakimi stands as the sole Moroccan contender. He faces formidable competition from Egyptian sharpshooter Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. In contrast, Moroccan representation in the women's category has dwindled, with Anissa Lahmari, Fatima Tagnaout, and Ghizlaine Chebbak no longer in contention.

A parallel narrative unfolds in the "Interclub Player of the Year" category, where no Moroccan men secured a spot among the top three nominees—Fiston Mayele (DR Congo), Peter Shalulile (Namibia), and Percy Tau (South Africa). However, on the women's side, Fatima Tagnaout earned a nomination alongside Botswana’s Refilwe Tholakele and South Africa’s Lebohang Ramalepe.

Morocco's remarkable performance on the international stage has earned national team managers Walid Regragui (men) and Reynald Pedros (women) nominations for "Coach of the Year". They contend against formidable opponents such as Senegal’s Aliou Cisse and South Africa’s Desiree Ellis and Jerry Tshabalala, respectively.

In what might be Morocco’s strongest category, exceptional goalkeeper Yassine Bounou features on the men's shortlist for "Goalkeeper of the Year" after establishing himself as one of the world's premier shot-stoppers in 2022. Khadija Er-Rmichi also secured a nomination in the women's category.

Young talents Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (men) and Nesryne El Chad (women) have clinched nominations for the forward-looking "Young Player of the Year," underscoring Morocco's exponential growth in the sport.

Both Moroccan national teams have earned recognition for "National Team of the Year" following inspiring World Cup campaigns. Additionally, clubs Wydad Athletic Club (men) and AS FAR and Sporting Casablanca (women) proudly represent Morocco in the "Club of the Year” category.

As the voting period draws to a close ahead of the July 21 ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco emerges as a strong contender to dominate the 2023 CAF Awards in both the men's and women's categories. Their commanding presence in the nominations signifies a nation ascending to continental prominence through footballing excellence.