MOVE over, Puskas – Africa’s got its own beautiful game to celebrate
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has thrown open the velvet ropes to its most democratic red carpet event: the Goal of the Year category at the #CAFAwards25. And this time, dear supporters, you are the kingmakers.
Between 6 January and 15 October 2025, thirteen moments of pure footballing sorcery were captured on camera – strikes so spectacular that CAF’s Technical Panel simply couldn’t keep them to themselves. From thunderbolts to toe-pokes of destiny, these goals represent the continent’s finest “did that just happen?” moments.
Here’s where it gets juicy: unlike every other category at the gala (where suits in committee rooms deliberate over spreadsheets), this award belongs entirely to the fans. That’s right – 100% public vote. No technical panels. No mysterious coefficients. Just you, your passion, and your Wi-Fi connection.
Voting kicks off this Thursday, 6 November, and slams shut on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. Head to cafawardsgoty.com or CAF’s social media channels to cast your ballot. Democracy in action, football-style.
The Magnificent 13
So who’s vying for immortality? The shortlist reads like a continental tour of jaw-dropping moments:
The Youth Movement: Egypt’s Anas Roshdy, Morocco’s Abdellah Ouazane, and Burkina Faso’s Asharaf Tapsoba flew the flag for the under-17s at #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17, proving that age is just a number when you’ve got tekkers for days.
Queens of the Game: Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak lit up #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024, while South Africa’s Refiloe Jane added her own exclamation point. Because spectacular goals aren’t a boys-only club.
Club Kings: From Tanzania’s Clement Mzize (Young Africans) to Egypt’s Ibrahim Adel (Pyramids FC) and Burundi’s Jean-Claude Girumugisha (Al Hilal SC), the #TotalEnergiesCAFCL produced moments that had commentators losing their minds in multiple languages.
CHAN Champions: Madagascar’s Calvin Fely, South Africa’s Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo (try saying that three times fast), Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui, and Algeria’s Soufiane Bayazid all proved that #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 was serving up premium content.
The Stakes
The winner gets crowned at the CAF Awards Gala, where the continent’s finest players, coaches, and teams will gather to celebrate a year of African football excellence. It’s part Oscars, part family reunion, all football.
So rally your WhatsApp groups, mobilise your Twitter fingers, and may the best goal – or at least, the best social media campaign – win.
Vote now. Argue later. That’s the African way.
For more on CAF Awards 2025, visit www.cafonline.com
