Speculations about Algerian influence within the darker corridors of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have been reinforced by the confounding list released by the continental body ahead of the traditional year-end awards ceremony.
More than just an attempt to diminish a player’s stature, the exclusion of Riyad Mahrez, termed as ‘Mahrez bashing,’ seemingly confirms Algeria’s limited role in the eyes of decision-makers at the CAF.
The absence of the Algerian captain, Riyad Mahrez, from the African Player of the Year category, alongside USM Alger not being among the top clubs in the continent, left the local sporting community in a state of surprise.
According to Thursday’s announcement, Egyptian Mohamed Salah, Moroccan Achraf Hakimi, and Nigerian Victor Osimhen are the finalists contending for the Player of the Year award.
The inclusion of Paris Saint-Germain’s right-back, a semi-finalist in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and the top scorer of Serie A with Napoli seemed justifiable.
However, Salah’s presence over Mahrez, who notably secured a historic hat-trick with Manchester City, has raised eyebrows. While other nominations like Oshoala, Banda, and Kgatlana for the prestigious women’s category or Tau, Shalulile, and Mayele for the Interclub Player of the Year award hold their grounds, USM Alger’s absence, despite holding the Confederation Cup and Super Cup, has also sparked considerable intrigue.
The ceremony in Marrakech is expected to see stars from the Moroccan national team gather, with significant prospects for several accolades. Notably, for reaching the World Cup semi-finals, Walid Regragui’s squad holds substantial credibility, exemplified by Achraf Hakimi’s inclusion in the Qatar World Cup’s best XI and Yacine Bounou’s role in Morocco’s impressive journey in Doha.
Victor Osimhen’s inclusion in the CAF Top 3 Awards for 2023 also seems valid given his remarkable contribution as Serie A’s top scorer in Napoli’s Scudetto win, 33 years after Diego Maradona’s triumph. However, the absence of Algeria’s captain, Riyad Mahrez, with 15 goals and 13 assists for Manchester City, raises skepticism over the credibility of the list that accommodates Mohamed Salah, who failed to make a lasting impression during the 2022-2023 season marked by Manchester City’s historic hat-trick.
The Algerian football representation might likely be absent from the awards ceremony at the Palais des Congrès Movenpick in Marrakech, indicating a possible lack of influence amid the presence of other prominent teams and figures.
