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EgyptianSoccer.com - Earlier today, CAF announced in its yearly awards ceremony its winners
for the 2002 season. There was no surprise that Senegal would walk away
with five awards, including best African player and best national team,
after a very impressive world cup. Egypt's Zamalek were awarded the "2002 Best Club Award" ahead of Algeria's JSK Kabylie.
EL Hadji
Diouf, who has been recently fined by Liverpool for spitting on a
Celtics fan during the UEFA cup quarter finals, ended up with his
second consecutive "Footballer of the year" award. Diouf was arguably
one of Senegal's most influential players in their 2002 world cup
campaign which ended dramatically against Turkey in the quarter finals.
The controversial Senegalese striker finished ahead of teammate Pape
Bouba Diop, while Ahmed Hossam finished third.
Related site on Athletes
In the "Best Team
of 2002" category, there was not much surprise when Senegal were
awarded the prize, considering the team emerged victorious from a tough
World Cup Qualifiers group against Egypt and Morocco, and then shrugged
off reigning world champions France on their way to the quarter finals.
The team also qualified to the final match of the 2002 African Cup of
Nations only to see Diouf turn into a villain when his deciding penalty
kick went wide, crowning Cameroon African champions.
Egyptian
youngster and Celta-Vigo striker Ahmed Hossam was crowned "Youth Player
of 2002" ahead of ex-teammate South African Steven Pienaar. Hossam
helped his team, Ajax, to a league, cup and super cup victories.
In
the goal keeper of the year category, Senegal goalkeeper Tony Sylva
finished ahead of Egyptian national team keeper Essam El Hadary. Sylva
conceded on average in the world cup just above one goal per game and
has been fairly consistent for the lions of Dakar.
Current
Al-Ain and ex-Senegal coach Bruno Metsu was awarded "Best coach of
2002". Metsu was arguably one of the best coaches of the 2002 world
cup. His tactics, perfectly timed substitutions and ability to read the
game earned him a well deserved title and reputation.
In the "Club of the year" award, Zamalek of Egypt finished first ahead of
Algeria's JSK Kaybelie. The Egyptian club managed to add a Champions
League trophy to their silverware earlier in 2002 after a battle
against Morocco's Rajaa Casablanca. Egypt have managed to dominate the
African club scene lately with 2001 and 2002 Champions League victories
for Ahly and Zamalek, respectively.
Senegal's Pape Diop goal
against Uruguay in the world cup first round thriller which ended in a
3-3 victory earned him the "Best televised goal" award. Although many
would claim that Abdelouahed Abdelsammad's goal in Rajaa's 4-0 victory
against ASEC in the 2002 champions league when he elegantly lobbed the
keeper from 30 yards should be the winner, the team effort and fast
paced football that led to Pape Diop's goal was equally brilliant and
worthy of the award.
In the "Best African Champions League
Player" award, talented Rajaa forward Hicham Aboucherouane finished
first. The Moroccan wonderkid worked magic for his team, scoring much
needed goals in Rajaa's champions league campaign. Hicham's brilliant
footwork and speed could earn him a quick move to Europe in the next
few years should he accept an offer.
Other 2002 awards
Women`s Player of the Year: Alberta Sackey (Ghana)
Youth Development Award: Ghana Football AssociationMerit Achievement Award: Mwade Wade (Senegal)
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Image: Diouf seen collecting his award after being congratulated by NT comrade Pape Bouba Dioup. Image courtesy of BBC sport.
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