Top three favourites to win African Goalkeeper of the Year 2023 Award: Ranked

A closer look at the top three contenders for the 2023 African Goalkeeper of the Year Award

In the exhilarating world of football, the prowess of goalkeepers often goes unnoticed, overshadowed by the glamour of goal-scorers and flashy midfielders. However, the importance of a reliable shot-stopper cannot be overstated, and the 2023 African Goalkeeper of the Year Award is set to shine a spotlight on three exceptional talents who have been making waves in the footballing landscape. Let’s delve into the unique journeys and recent achievements of the top contenders for this prestigious accolade.

3. Yassine Bounou – The Moroccan Marvel

Yassine Bounou, affectionately known as Bono, has been a commanding presence in the goalposts for Al Hilal FC and the Moroccan national team. His awe-inspiring performance played a pivotal role in guiding Morocco to their best-ever World Cup performance, reaching the semi-finals and defeating formidable European teams along the way. Bounou’s journey from Wydad AC in Morocco to over 150 La Liga appearances for Girona and Sevilla is a testament to his skill and determination.

In 2023, Bounou made headlines by joining Riyadh-based side Al-Hilal on a three-year contract. His remarkable achievements did not go unnoticed, earning him nominations for the 2023 Ballon d’Or and The 2023 Best FIFA Football Awards. As of October 30, 2023, Bounou secured 13th place in the Ballon d’Or rankings and an impressive 3rd place in the 2023 Yashin Trophy.

Notably, Bounou’s consistency and excellence between the posts have also earned him nominations for the 2023 African Footballer of the Year and 2023 African Goalkeeper of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). His Canadian-Moroccan background adds a unique dimension to his journey, and fans eagerly await if Bounou can clinch the African Goalkeeper of the Year Award.

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2. Mohamed El Shenawy – The Egyptian Wall

A formidable force for Al Ahly and the Egyptian national team, Mohamed El Shenawy has been a key figure in his team’s triumphant victories. His exceptional performance played a crucial role in leading Al Ahly to multiple successes, including the league championship and the coveted African Champions League. El Shenawy’s agility and precise timing have earned him the moniker, The Egyptian Wall.

Beginning his career as a youth player with Al Ahly, El Shenawy faced ups and downs, including a brief period away from the club before returning in July 2016. Since then, he has been instrumental in Al Ahly’s dominance, winning four consecutive Egyptian Premier League titles and two consecutive CAF Champions League titles. In the 2022-23 season, El Shenawy led his team to victory in the CAF Champions League, marking their fourth consecutive appearance in the final.

One remarkable feat that distinguishes El Shenawy is his role as captain in Al Ahly’s historic three-time win in the CAF Champions League. No player has achieved this feat as a captain before, solidifying El Shenawy’s legacy as one of Africa’s best goalkeepers. As the leader of the Egyptian defense, El Shenawy is a strong contender for the African Goalkeeper of the Year Award, and his consistent excellence makes him a force to be reckoned with.

1. André Onana – Cameroon’s Pride

The final nominee in this illustrious list is André Onana, the goalkeeper for Manchester United and the Cameroon national team. While Onana has had a decorated career, his move to the Premier League has brought both challenges and criticisms. Since joining Manchester United in July, the 27-year-old goalkeeper has faced scrutiny for his performances, with reports suggesting that the club is considering acquiring competition for him.

Onana spent the first half of the year with Inter Milan, contributing to their victories in the Italian Cup and Supercup. Despite his success in Italy, the Premier League has presented a different set of challenges for the Cameroonian goalkeeper. Critics have pointed out fluctuations in his gameplay, prompting discussions about the need for competition in the squad.

Notably, there are even rumours that Onana is contemplating skipping the 2023 African Cup of Nations, fearing it could jeopardize his position in the national team. As the youngest among the top contenders, Onana’s journey with Manchester United will be closely watched, and his ability to overcome challenges may influence his standing in the race for the African Goalkeeper of the Year Award.

The 2023 African Goalkeeper of the Year Award promises to be a thrilling competition, with Yassine Bounou, Mohamed El Shenawy, and André Onana bringing diverse talents and stories to the forefront. As fans eagerly await the announcement, the performances of these goalkeeping maestros on both the national and international stages continue to captivate the footballing world, showcasing the depth and richness of talent within the African football community.

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