Wednesday night was historic in Rabat. Moroccan stars Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak won top honors at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.
The host nation secured a rare double victory. They took home both the Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year titles. The ceremony highlighted a year of dominance for Moroccan football. Both winners defeated stiff competition from continental heavyweights.
Hakimi Reigns Supreme
In the men’s category, Achraf Hakimi won African Player of the Year. The Paris Saint-Germain defender beat Egyptian icon Mohamed Salah. He also defeated Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to claim the award.
Hakimi had a phenomenal season at the club level. The right-back was instrumental in PSG’s historic campaign. Consequently, the French giants captured five trophies.
Most notably, Hakimi led PSG to their inaugural UEFA Champions League title. He capped his contribution with an unforgettable performance in the final against Inter Milan. He opened the scoring in that dominant 5-0 victory in May.
Chebbak Breaks New Ground
History was also made in the women’s category. Midfielder Ghizlane Chebbak became the first Moroccan woman to win the African Footballer of the Year award. This award was established in 2001.
The 35-year-old veteran edged out her international teammate, Sanaa Mssoudy. She also beat Nigerian forward Rasheedat Ajibade to take the prize.
Chebbak performed stellarly at the delayed 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). She finished the tournament as the top scorer. Furthermore, she scored a stunning goal in the final that cemented her status as a top player.
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