Three Moroccan clubs headline nominees for CAF Men’s Club of the Year award

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a 10-club shortlist for the Men’s Club of the Year award at the 2026 CAF Awards, with Moroccan sides enjoying a strong presence among the nominees.

Three clubs from Morocco – AS FAR, Olympic Club Safi and RS Berkane – have earned nominations following their performances on the continental and domestic fronts, making the North African country the most represented nation on the shortlist.

Algeria also has two representatives, with CR Belouizdad and USM Alger securing places among the contenders, while Egypt’s Zamalek SC and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns have also been recognised.

The remaining nominees are AS Maniema Union of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Al Hilal SC of Sudan and Tunisian giants ES Tunis, completing a diverse shortlist featuring clubs from seven African countries.

The nominations highlight the growing competitiveness of club football across the continent, with established African heavyweights and emerging contenders all featuring in the race for one of the prestigious individual honours at the annual awards ceremony.

Mamelodi Sundowns, who have consistently maintained a strong presence in African club competitions, will be hoping to add another major continental recognition to their collection. Zamalek and ES Tunis, meanwhile, will also be looking to claim the accolade after representing their respective countries on the African stage.

Morocco’s impressive representation further underlines the country’s growing influence in African club football, with AS FAR, RS Berkane and Olympic Club Safi all making the final 10.

The winner will be announced at the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony scheduled for Monday, December 7, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.

CAF announced the nominees on Wednesday, November 4, with the competition now set to determine which club will be crowned Africa’s best for the year.

Full list of nominees

1. CR Belouizdad (Algeria)

2. USM Alger (Algeria)

3. AS Maniema Union (DR Congo)

4. Zamalek SC (Egypt)

5. AS FAR (Morocco)

6. Olympic Club Safi (Morocco)

7. RS Berkane (Morocco)

8. Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

9. Al Hilal SC (Sudan)

10. ES Tunis (Tunisia)