Egypt Dominates 2026 CAF Awards Shortlist: Hossam Hassan, Zamalek Stars Vie for Top African Honors

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the nominees for the highly anticipated 2026 CAF Awards, set to be held in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 7. Notably absent from the Club of the Year category are Al Ahly and Pyramids FC.

Club and National Team Nominations:

Zamalek SC is the sole Egyptian representative in the Club of the Year category, facing stiff competition from continental powerhouses such as Esperance de Tunis, Al Hilal Sudan, USM Alger, CR Belouizdad, FAR Rabat, RS Berkane, Olympique Asfi, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Maniema Union.

In the National Team of the Year category, the Egyptian National Team, 'The Pharaohs,' are nominated alongside Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, challenging formidable opponents like Ivory Coast, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, DR Congo, and the surprise contender, Cape Verde.

Coach of the Year:

Egypt features two strong contenders for Coach of the Year: Hossam Hassan, head coach of the Egyptian National Team, recognized for the team's significant performance improvements. Moatamed Gamal, head coach of Zamalek SC, is nominated alongside esteemed international coaches including Walid Regragui and Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco), Sébastien Desabre (DR Congo), and Pape Thiaw (Senegal).

Interclub and Young Player Awards:

For Interclub Player of the Year (Based in Africa), Mohamed Shehata of Zamalek SC and former Al Ahly player Mahmoud Hassan “Trézéguet” are among the nominees. In the Young Player of the Year category, promising Egyptian talent Hamza Abdelkarim is shortlisted, competing against Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza and Moroccan duo Abdellah Ouazane and Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Goalkeeper of the Year:

Egypt's goalkeeping talent is represented by Mostafa Shobier (Al Ahly) and El-Mahdy Soliman (Zamalek SC) in the Goalkeeper of the Year category.

Women's Football:

Algeria makes a historic appearance in the women's categories following their 2027 World Cup qualification. Marine Dafeur is nominated for Women’s Player of the Year, while Chloë N’Gazi is a candidate for Goalkeeper of the Year. Morocco's Hanane Aït El Haj and Khadija Er-Rmichi also received nominations in their respective categories.