For the CAF Awards 2019, the category of Men’s National Team of the Year has seen five countries nominated, highlighting the continent’s top-performing national sides over the past year.
Leading the list is Algeria, who captured continental attention by winning the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Under the guidance of Djamel Belmadi, the Fennecs went undefeated throughout the tournament, combining tactical discipline with individual brilliance. Their triumph marked Algeria’s second AFCON title in 30 years and cemented the team as a dominant force in African football.
Joining Algeria is Senegal, the runner-up at the same tournament. Coached by Aliou Cissé, the Lions of Teranga displayed remarkable consistency and skill throughout the competition, only falling short in the final against Algeria. Senegal’s performance further confirmed their status as one of Africa’s most competitive sides, with players like Sadio Mané and Krépin Diatta showcasing world-class talent on the continental stage.
The remaining three countries on the list reflect strong performances in 2019 across various competitions and qualifiers. These nominations recognize both team cohesion and individual contributions that have made a significant impact in African football over the past year.
CAF’s decision to highlight these five national teams underscores the importance of collective achievement alongside individual brilliance. While Algeria and Senegal naturally draw attention for their AFCON performances, the other nominees also reflect steady progress, strategic development, and growing competitiveness in African football.
The Men’s National Team of the Year award celebrates not just victories, but also the ability of a team to inspire, maintain consistency, and elevate the standard of football in Africa. The upcoming announcement of the winner will crown the national team that best embodies these qualities in 2019.
