Moroccan Experts Baffled As Achraf Hakimi Misses Out On CAF African Player of the Year Award

 

The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday evening, has sparked controversy and debate among Moroccan football experts and fans. Ademola Lookman's win of the African Player of the Year award has been met with disappointment and frustration, with many questioning the process leading to snubbing of Moroccan skipper Achraf Hakimi.

Hakimi had an impressive year with both Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team, leading many to believe that he was the frontrunner for the award. However, it was Lookman who ultimately took home the prestigious honor, sparking widespread surprise and disappointment among Moroccan football fans and experts.

Moroccan sports analyst Tawfiq Al-Sanhaji expressed his disappointment and frustration at Hakimi's snub, stating: "It is a great regret for all Moroccan fans, and for all those who follow football in Morocco, because Achraf Hakimi presented distinguished levels throughout the year with the Moroccan national team and Paris Saint-Germain."

Abdel Salam Kourahi was more critical, suggesting that there may have been "understandings, calculations and divisions within CAF that tipped the scales in favour of the Nigerian over the Moroccan international at the last minute."

Lookman had an impressive year with Atalanta, inspiring the Italian club to win the Europa League and scoring a historic hat trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the final. He also played a prominent role in Nigeria's run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, registering three goals and an assist and earning a spot in the official Team of the Tournament.

The controversy surrounding Hakimi's snub and Lookman's win of the African Player of the Year award is a reminder that football is a subjective sport, and opinions on player performances can vary greatly. While Hakimi had an impressive year, Lookman's achievements with Atalanta and Nigeria cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, the decision to award Lookman the African Player of the Year award is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.