Morocco, Africa – Angola’s Cristovao Mabululu emerged as the Goal of the Year winner at the 2024 CAF Awards, edging out ten of Africa’s most talented footballers in a fan-driven competition.
His extraordinary strike against Namibia during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2023 was overwhelmingly favoured, garnering an impressive 121,192 votes.
Mabululu’s goal stood out not just for its technical brilliance but also for the passion it ignited among fans, who rallied behind the Angolan forward to secure his place at the top.
In a competition where every vote mattered, Ugandan forward Denis Omedi’s spectacular rabona goal, scored against KCCA in the Fufa Super 8, showcased his exceptional skill and creativity but finished in sixth place.
Omedi earned 13,766 votes—an achievement that places him among Africa’s elite despite the fierce competition.
Wassam Abou Ali’s breathtaking goal for Al Ahly against TP Mazembe claimed second place, while Yassine Benzi’s strike for Algeria against South Africa in the FIFA Series 2024 secured third. Said Benrahma’s goal for Togo during the AFCON 2025 qualifiers and Sebastien Haller’s decisive goal in the AFCON 2023 final against Nigeria rounded out the top five.
Omedi’s rabona goal, a display of pure genius and audacity, was a fan favourite in Uganda and beyond.
Scored in a high-stakes match, it captured the imagination of football lovers and further cemented Omedi’s reputation as one of the continent’s rising stars.
While he fell short of winning the CAF Goal of the Year, his performance ensures he remains a strong contender on the global stage.
The attention now shifts to the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award, where Omedi’s extraordinary strike is nominated.
The Puskás Award, which celebrates the best goals scored globally, offers Omedi another opportunity to receive the international recognition his skill and effort deserve.
Reacting to the outcome, Omedi took to his Twitter account “X” to express gratitude to his supporters:
“Special thanks to the multitudes who voted for me for this coveted award. Albeit the fact that we didn’t win it, we made history regardless. I believe this is just the beginning of greater things to come. (Jeremiah 29:11).”
Football analysts have praised Omedi’s creativity and confidence, noting that his nomination in such an esteemed award reflects his growing stature in African football.
Many Ugandan fans remain optimistic that their star will shine brighter in the global spotlight.
Speaking after the results, a section of Ugandan football enthusiasts expressed pride in Omedi’s achievement despite the outcome.
“His goal is already a win for Ugandan football. Being in the top six across Africa is no small feat,” said one fan.
Cristovao Mabululu’s victory, on the other hand, reinforces the growing strength of Angolan football and its passionate fan base.
His strike will undoubtedly remain etched in the memories of fans as one of the defining moments of the 2023 AFCON tournament.
As African football continues to rise on the global stage, the CAF Goal of the Year award highlights the exceptional talent and creativity that define the continent’s game. For Denis Omedi, this is just the beginning
