Entertainment@Large takes a look at the five candidates who will be vying for the African-Based Player Of The Year Award tonight, one of the continent’s ultimate personal prizes...
The contenders for the African-based Player of the Year are: Ahmed Hassan (Al-Ahly and Egypt), Oussama Darragi (Esperance and Tunisia), Alain Kaluyituka Dioko (TP Mazembe and DR Congo), Michael Eneramo (Esperance and Nigeria) and Mohamed Nagy ‘Gedo’ (Al-Ahly and Egypt).
Ahmed Hassan (Al Ahly/Egypt)
The evergreen midfield general has been playing for so long that it's hard to imagine a time when he wasn't putting in incredible performances for the Pharaohs. He's been a large part of Egypt's unprecedented three successive AFCON titles but his latest success in Angola 2010 was certainly the most memorable as the former Anderlecht playmaker broke Hossam Hassan's record for most international caps and also scored three crucial goals for his country on their way to lifting the trophy.
His 2010 didn't end as well as it started though as he suffered an ACL tear in a match against Sierra Leone. It is telling of his importance that Egypt have since struggled without him and can't wait for him to return soon. Hassan is only two starts away from from breaking former Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea's world record of international caps.
Mohamed Nagy Gedo (Al-Ahly/Egypt)
Literally the man that burst onto the African scene out of nowhere. With Mido and Zaki lacking fitness in the leadup to Angola 2010, Hassan Shehata took a chance on the youngster who was then plying his trade for the Ittihad Alexandria and was handsomely rewarded for taking such a risk. Gedo responded by finishing as the tournament's top scorer with five goals, including the one that one the Pharaohs the trophy in their final game against Ghana.
Amazingly, Gedo did this while starting every match from the bench to become an overnight superstar in his country and a remarkable example to African youngsters across the continent. His performances helped him seal a move to Egyptian giants Al-Ahly but if his strike rate remains steady, one would imagine he'll be in Europe sooner rather than later.
Gedo Was Top Scorer At AFCON 2010
Michael Eneramo (Esperance/Nigeria)
The 24 year-old Esperance forward has become a household name in Africa with his seven goals for the Tunisians in this season's CAF Champions League. His form for club has been so impressive that he has become a consistent name on the lips of national team handlers. Even though Eneramo narrowly missed being a part of the Nigerian team for the World Cup, he has returned to the Super Eagles' fold with a goal in the 2-0 defeat of Madagascar in Abuja in September.
It may be hard for Eneramo to win the title this year because of other equally brilliant performances from around the continent, but being placed among a select core of top performers will surely do something good for his ego and game in the future.
Ousemma Darragi (Esperance/Tunisia)
At only 23, the midfielder that Tunisians have nicknamed "Darraginho" is well and truly coming into his own. During the last year, Darragi has established himself at both domestic and international level, helping Esperance win consecutive Tunisian league titles and also providing the goals and assists they needed to make it to the 2010 CAF Champions League final. The lanky playmaker has also taken advantage of Yassine Chikhaoui's extended absence to become the midfield creator for the Carthage Eagles.
Few will forget his heroics in Abuja against Nigeria during 2010 World Cup qualifying even though his side ended up losing their ticket to South Africa on the last day of qualifying. Even though the qualifying campaign ended in disappointment, no one could fault the effort and skill of the young playmaker who has drawn interest from top clubs such as Werder Bremen and Inter Milan amongst others.
Darragi's Esperance Have Done Well This Season
Alain Kaluyituka Dioko (TP Mazembe/Congo DR)
The goal poacher has cemented his name as one of the top strikers playing on the continent. The 23-year-old has been the front man for CAF Champions League holders TP Mazembe and it looks certain he is poised to shoulder the club to make history as the first side to defend the continental club flagship twice after they did it in the late 60s.
The deadly finisher has built an excellent reputation for himself with the Congolese champions this season and as one of the top goal scorers in the 2009 African Champions League, he deserves to be shortlisted for the African-based Player of the Year prize.
Ahmed Hassan (Al Ahly/Egypt)
The evergreen midfield general has been playing for so long that it's hard to imagine a time when he wasn't putting in incredible performances for the Pharaohs. He's been a large part of Egypt's unprecedented three successive AFCON titles but his latest success in Angola 2010 was certainly the most memorable as the former Anderlecht playmaker broke Hossam Hassan's record for most international caps and also scored three crucial goals for his country on their way to lifting the trophy.
His 2010 didn't end as well as it started though as he suffered an ACL tear in a match against Sierra Leone. It is telling of his importance that Egypt have since struggled without him and can't wait for him to return soon. Hassan is only two starts away from from breaking former Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea's world record of international caps.
Mohamed Nagy Gedo (Al-Ahly/Egypt)
Literally the man that burst onto the African scene out of nowhere. With Mido and Zaki lacking fitness in the leadup to Angola 2010, Hassan Shehata took a chance on the youngster who was then plying his trade for the Ittihad Alexandria and was handsomely rewarded for taking such a risk. Gedo responded by finishing as the tournament's top scorer with five goals, including the one that one the Pharaohs the trophy in their final game against Ghana.
Amazingly, Gedo did this while starting every match from the bench to become an overnight superstar in his country and a remarkable example to African youngsters across the continent. His performances helped him seal a move to Egyptian giants Al-Ahly but if his strike rate remains steady, one would imagine he'll be in Europe sooner rather than later.
Gedo Was Top Scorer At AFCON 2010
Michael Eneramo (Esperance/Nigeria)
The 24 year-old Esperance forward has become a household name in Africa with his seven goals for the Tunisians in this season's CAF Champions League. His form for club has been so impressive that he has become a consistent name on the lips of national team handlers. Even though Eneramo narrowly missed being a part of the Nigerian team for the World Cup, he has returned to the Super Eagles' fold with a goal in the 2-0 defeat of Madagascar in Abuja in September.
It may be hard for Eneramo to win the title this year because of other equally brilliant performances from around the continent, but being placed among a select core of top performers will surely do something good for his ego and game in the future.
Ousemma Darragi (Esperance/Tunisia)
At only 23, the midfielder that Tunisians have nicknamed "Darraginho" is well and truly coming into his own. During the last year, Darragi has established himself at both domestic and international level, helping Esperance win consecutive Tunisian league titles and also providing the goals and assists they needed to make it to the 2010 CAF Champions League final. The lanky playmaker has also taken advantage of Yassine Chikhaoui's extended absence to become the midfield creator for the Carthage Eagles.
Few will forget his heroics in Abuja against Nigeria during 2010 World Cup qualifying even though his side ended up losing their ticket to South Africa on the last day of qualifying. Even though the qualifying campaign ended in disappointment, no one could fault the effort and skill of the young playmaker who has drawn interest from top clubs such as Werder Bremen and Inter Milan amongst others.
Darragi's Esperance Have Done Well This Season
Alain Kaluyituka Dioko (TP Mazembe/Congo DR)
The goal poacher has cemented his name as one of the top strikers playing on the continent. The 23-year-old has been the front man for CAF Champions League holders TP Mazembe and it looks certain he is poised to shoulder the club to make history as the first side to defend the continental club flagship twice after they did it in the late 60s.
The deadly finisher has built an excellent reputation for himself with the Congolese champions this season and as one of the top goal scorers in the 2009 African Champions League, he deserves to be shortlisted for the African-based Player of the Year prize.
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