Mahrez reacts after another 'favourite' for CAF POTY emerges

Ex-Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez has reacted to news that another favourite has seemingly emerged for the 2023 CAF Men's Player of the Year award.

According to Yallakora, the Algeria winger has caught wind of information suggesting that Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou's UEFA Europa League triumph with Sevilla last season could earn him the continent's biggest individual prize. 

Read: Ronaldo to play in Europe again? UEFA 'considering' huge decision

The shot-stopper, who now plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, played an important role in his team's European victory, helping them to the final of the competition where they overcame Jose Mourinho's Roma 4-1 on penalties after extra-time could not separate the two sides with the score at 1-1.

However, Mahrez believes his own iconic season with City, in which they won their first-ever treble, trumps Bounou's achievements. 

"I heard that they are trying to put pressure on the name of Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the competition for the best African player," the now-Al Ahli star said. 

"It is true that he won the European League, but that has nothing to do with the historic treble with City, so let's see."

Top stars such as Victor Osimhen, who helped Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years last season, South Africa's Percy Tau, and Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi were also named as nominees for the POTY award. 

View the full list here: 

Mahrez, meanwhile, has made a good start to life in the Saudi Pro League, being a creative driving force with seven assists and five goals in 13 matches to help Al Ahli move to third spot on the table prior to the international break following his move to the Middle East from Manchester in July.

Read: The big demand Tau is making to sign new Ahly deal revealed?  

The 2023 CAF Awards Gala is set to take place on 11 December in Marrakesh, Morocco.

You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments. 

Related tags