(Photo by Ahmed Al-Malky)
Retired Egyptian star and former Al-Ahly player Mohamed Abu Trika was honoured as the Best Player in Africa by the African Football Confederation (CAF) last Thursday, in a party held in the Nigerian city of Lagos.
Abu Trika, often dubbed by football fans in Egypt as “El Magico” (The Magician), announced his retirement last December. He has won the same title four times now, in 2006, 2008 and 2012, and now, 2014.
Abu Trika beat the likes of his teammate Ahmed Fathi and Nigerian youngster Sunday Mba.
Al-Ahly also claimed the Best Club in Africa award, following the team’s win in the 2013 African Champions League.
Manchester City and Cote d’Ivoire star midfielder Yaya Toure was chosen the best African Player by CAF.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles dominated the rest of the awards, as the Nigerian U17 team, the champions of the U17 FIFA World Cup, was chosen the best junior team in Africa, while the Nigerian national team, champions of the African Nations Cup, earned the title of best African National Team. Nigerian hot prospect Kelechi Iheanacho won the award of Best Young African Player while Algerian Djamel Haimoudi was chosen as the continent’s best referee.
