Egypt’s Mohamed Abouterika wants North African to win Caf player award

Nov 8, 2012 4:55:00 PM

The Al Ahly ace says he wishes for another North African player to win the 2012 award for the Africa Best African Player on the continent

Egypt international midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika says he wants the 2012 Best African Player on the continent award to come to a North African so that the title would remain in the region after Tunisian Oussama Darragui and Egytian star Ahmed Hassan won the previous two editions.

The 34-year-old Al Ahly player, who was nominated alongside Zambians Rainford Kalaba and Stoppila Sunzu, Yannick N’Djeng from Cameroon, says it would be great if Tunisian Youssef Msakni, who is also on the five-man shortlist, wins the current edition.

He however acknowledges that all the nominees deserve the award for their excellent season.

“They are all excellent players and had an amazing season with their clubs and national teams where they produced great performance. I believe they all deserve the award, and I hope the title remains in North Africa. If I'm not the one to win I wish Msakni wins it. Last year Tunisian Oussama Darragui won the award, and the year before it was my teammate Ahmed Hassan who won the award. I hope the North African winning streak continues, be it me or Msakni,” Abouterika tells Cafonline.com.

The winner will be announced alongside the African Footballer of the Year award on December 20 in Accra, Ghana.