RE-LIVE BLOG: The 2024 CAF Awards – All the action from Marrakech

Goodnight, Africa – and here’s to another year of African footballing brilliance!

As the lights dim in Marrakech, the focus shifts to the next chapter in African football. Until then, stay tuned to CAFOnline.com for more updates, interviews, and exclusive reactions from tonight’s big winners.

20:40 GMT – Thank You for Joining Us! That brings our LIVE BLOG of the 2024 CAF Awards to an end. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees who have made this year unforgettable.

20:30 GMT – A Celebration of African Excellence
Tonight, the continent came together to celebrate not just individual brilliance but the collective growth of African football. From rising stars to seasoned legends, every award category reflected the richness of talent Africa continues to produce.

The winners of the night also reminded us of the power of sport to unite, inspire, and pave the way for the next generation of players.

20:25 GMT – A Night to Remember in Marrakech
The 2024 CAF Awards have concluded in spectacular fashion at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco. It’s been an evening of glitz, glamour, and celebration of African football’s finest talents.

Ademola Lookman of Nigeria has been crowned the Men’s Player of the Year, capping off an incredible year where he inspired Atalanta to European success and led the Super Eagles to the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON final. Lookman’s dazzling performances and clinical finishing have made him a standout star.

Meanwhile, Zambia’s Barbra Banda has taken home the Women’s Player of the Year, a well-deserved accolade for a player whose exceptional skills, leadership, and goal-scoring feats have elevated the Copper Queens and her club, Orlando Pride, to new heights.

20:20 GMT –  Men’s Player of the Year is Ademola Lookman of NIGERIA. Congrats Lookman.

20:13 GMT –  The Women’s Player of the Year is BARBRA BANDA of Zambia. Congrats Barbra.

 

 

 

20:10 GMT – Individual Glory

The final stretch of the night is here. The Women’s Player of the Year is announced, followed by the Men’s Player of the Year, the most coveted prizes in African football.

20:00 GMT – It is time for the Outstanding Achievement award and the CAF President Dr Motsepe calls the FIFA President Infantino to come on the stage to present the award. 

19:58 GMT – We return to the awards for Goal of the Year Excitement - Fans are eagerly awaiting the Goal of the Year winner.

19:47 GMT - We take a break something special. A vibrant opening performance by Diamond Platnumz gets the crowd on its feet.

19:43 GMT – Africa’s Best XI The unveiling of the CAF/FIFPro Africa Best XI teams for men and women is met with thunderous applause. These line-ups feature the crème de la crème of African football talent.

 

 

 

 

19:34 GMT – Coaches Honoured Both Men’s and Women’s Coaches of the Year are awarded next. The winners reflect tactical genius and their ability to inspire teams to glory.

 

 

And the Mrs was present to see Fae take the award

 

 

 

 

19:19 GMT – Goalkeeper of the Year Awards (Women and Men)
Recognition for the continent’s last line of defence. The goalkeepers nominated have kept clean sheets and made match-winning saves.

 

 

 

19:10 GMT – It is the turn of the Women’s Interclub Player of the Year

 

19:05 GMT – Best Interclub Players of the Year
The first awards of the night celebrate the best performers from African clubs:

 

• Men’s Interclub Player of the Year
• Women’s Interclub Player of the Year

Both categories spotlight players who lit up CAF Interclubs competitions.

Men’s Interclub Player of the Year

18:59 GMT – The fourth batch awards of the night celebrate the best performing clubs in Africa (women). 

 

 

18:55 GMT – The fourth batch awards of the night celebrate the best performing clubs in Africa (men). 

 A season full of wins, and here's just another one! 🥇

The Men’s Club of the Year is 𝐀𝐥 𝐀𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐂, a season to remember for the Eagles. 🦅#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/B67uKAoyZO

 

18:45 GMT – The third batch awards of the night celebrate the best performing national teams in Africa (men). 

 

18:40 GMT – The third batch awards of the night celebrate the best performing national teams in Africa (women). 

 

18:33 GMT – National Team Awards The night shifts focus to national pride with the Men’s and Women’s National Teams of the Year. Their achievements on the pitch have united millions across the continent.


18:35 GMT – The second batch awards of the night celebrate the best performing young players in Africa (men). 

18:30 GMT – The second batch awards of the night celebrate the best performing young players in Africa (women). 


18: 20 GMT – The first awards of the night celebrate the best performing referees in Africa. 

 

Female Referee of the Year Best Referee - Bouchra Karboubi (Best Assistant Referee)- Diana Chikotesha 

18:15 GMT – CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe leading the dignitaries in attendance including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and several African FA Presidents. President Dr Motsepe gives his opening address with a round of applause from the guests in the hall.


18:10 GMT A vibrant opening performance gets the crowd on its feet, while the Trio Andalou Orchestra brings a unique Moroccan flair to the proceedings.

Let’s dive into the awards!

18:00 GMT – THE CEREMONY BEGINS!
The 2024 CAF Awards officially kick off with hosts Kate Scott and Jalal Bouzrara welcoming the audience.

 

 

 17:52 GMT – The Atmosphere is Electric With just minutes to go before the awards ceremony begins, the anticipation in Marrakech is palpable. Guests are seated, the stage is set, and Africa is ready to crown its football royalty.

 

 

Stay with us for LIVE updates as the awards are announced!

17:07 GMT – Spotlight on the Palais des Congrès The Palais des Congrès in Marrakech has a history of hosting iconic events. Did you know it hosted the signing of the GATT Agreement in 1994, a turning point in global trade? Tonight, however, it transforms into the epicenter of African football glory.

With over 19 awards to be presented, we’re set for an evening of drama, excitement, and celebration.

17:00 GMT – Final Hour Begins
The stage is set, the stars are ready, and we’re moments away from kicking off the 2024 CAF Awards. Stay with us for live updates!

 

 

16:52 GMT – Almost Showtime The Palais des Congrès is now packed with Africa’s biggest football icons. The excitement is contagious – this is a night for the history books!

 

16:45 GMT – Rising Stars to Watch Keep an eye out for the Young Player of the Year nominees:

 

• Karim Konaté (Cote d’Ivoire)
• Oumar Diakite (Cote d’Ivoire)
• Lamine Camara (Senegal)

These players represent the future of African football.

 

 

16:38 GMT – Behind the Scenes Backstage, the presenters Kate Scott and Jalal Bouzrara are rehearsing their lines. The energy is electric, and everything is set for a seamless show.

 

16:31 GMT – Countdown: 1 Hour to Go! Only 60 minutes left until the ceremony begins. We’ll soon know who will lift Africa’s most prestigious football prizes.

16:24 GMT – Red Carpet Buzz - The stars are arriving! Nominees, legends, and special guests are gracing the red carpet in stunning outfits. A truly Marrakech moment!


16:17 GMT – Eyes on the Coaches
The Men’s Coach of the Year features three outstanding tacticians:

1. Hugo Broos (South Africa): Bafana Bafana’s master strategist.
2. Emerse Faé (Cote d’Ivoire): A young coach who delivered AFCON glory.
3. Sébastien Desabre (DR Congo): A revival story worth celebrating.

The winner will set the standard for African coaching excellence.

16:10 GMT – Goal of the Year Excitement
Fans are eagerly awaiting the Goal of the Year winner. Contenders include:

• Saïd Benrahma’s stunning free-kick for Algeria.
• Abdul Aziz Issah’s screamer in the CAF Confederation Cup.
• Sébastien Haller’s crucial strike in the AFCON final.

Which goal captured Africa’s imagination in 2024?

16:03 GMT – Remembering Past Greats
The CAF Awards have been a defining moment for legends:

• Samuel Eto’o and Yaya Touré hold the record with four Men’s Player of the Year titles each.
• Asisat Oshoala leads the women’s category with six titles.

Who will join their ranks tonight?

15:55 GMT – Special Mention for Morocco
Morocco is the perfect host for tonight’s event. After reaching the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, they’ve become the pride of African football. Events like this continue to showcase Morocco’s dedication to the growth of the sport.

Their local star, Achraf Hakimi, remains one of the continent’s brightest talents – a hero both at PSG and for the Atlas Lions.

15:45 GMT – Legends in the House
This evening is also a celebration of the African football legends who paved the way. Among the big names spotted so far:

• Victor Wanyama (Kenya)
• Mohamed Zidan (Egypt)
• Portia Modise (South Africa) – the first African woman to score 100 international goals.
• Seydou Keita (Mali)
• Obafemi Martins (Nigeria), famous for his acrobatic celebrations.

It’s a star-studded reunion, a reminder of Africa’s football legacy.

15:35 GMT – Women’s Football Steals the Show
The women’s game has grown in leaps and bounds across Africa, and tonight’s Women’s Player of the Year shortlist reflects that perfectly.

1. Barbra Banda (Zambia): The first female footballer to score a hat-trick at two Olympics.
2. Sanaâ Mssoudy (Morocco): The heartbeat of AS FAR’s Champions League campaign.
3. Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria): Paris FC's shot-stopper, whose heroics lit up France.

It’s not just about recognition – their achievements inspire millions of young girls across Africa.

15:28 GMT – Historic Night Ahead - This year, the Men's Player of the Year award is one of the most open in years, with five finalists:

• Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire): AFCON hero and Brighton starlet.
• Serhou Guirassy (Guinea): Bundesliga goal machine with a record-breaking season.
• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): PSG's ever-reliable fullback.
• Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): The hat-trick hero of Atalanta’s Europa League triumph.
• Ronwen Williams (South Africa): Bafana Bafana’s AFCON penalty king.

 

It’s been 28 years since a goalkeeper won this award – could Williams break that curse tonight?

 

 

15:21 GMT: Tonight’s ceremony promises a mix of football and entertainment. Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania and Morocco’s rising R&B star Dystinct will headline the musical performances, alongside other acts like Trio Andalou and Women in Jazz. Expect dazzling performances!

 

15:14 GMT:  The CAF Awards have a rich history. First established in 1970 by France Football and later taken over by CAF in 1992, this gala honours players, coaches, and teams who have excelled over the past year. Did you know? Cameroon leads the Men’s Player of the Year award tally with 11 titles, thanks to legends like Samuel Eto’o and Roger Milla.


15:07 GMT:  The countdown has officially begun! Today’s ceremony will showcase the brightest talents in African football. Among the most anticipated awards is the CAF Men’s Player of the Year, where five outstanding players remain in contention, including Achraf Hakimi, Ademola Lookman, Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, and Ronwen Williams.


1500 GMT: Hello and welcome to Cafonline.com's LIVE BLOG of the 2024 CAF Awards coming to you from the stunning Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco. This prestigious event, celebrating African football excellence, will kick off at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT).

 

For the next few hours, we will bring you play-by-play updates leading up to the grand celebration of Africa’s finest players, coaches, clubs, and national teams.

Stay with us as we share historical insights, previews, and live coverage as the night unfolds!