CAF Announces The Winners Of The Golden Boot, Best Goalkeeper, MVP and Team Of The Tournament Awards

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the individual and team award winners following a thrilling edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a tournament that concluded with Senegal lifting the trophy after a dramatic 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat.

According to BBC Sport, Senegal clinched the continental crown in a final that will be remembered for both its tension and controversy. After a tense 90 minutes in which neither side could break the deadlock, Pape Gueye emerged as the hero in extra time, firing in a stunning long-range strike that found the top corner and sent the Senegalese bench into raptures.

Despite the euphoria of victory, the match was overshadowed by a late penalty controversy. Deep into second-half stoppage time, a VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty for what was deemed a foul on Brahim Diaz inside the box. Diaz stepped up to take the spot kick, but his attempt was saved, prolonging the stalemate and ultimately setting the stage for Senegal’s winner in extra time. The penalty decision sparked impassioned protests from Senegal’s players, who briefly left the pitch in dissent before play resumed.

With the tournament now concluded, CAF has officially announced the winners of the individual honours, celebrating standout performers from across the competition.

The Golden Boot awarded to the tournament’s top scorer was claimed by Senegalese forward Habib Diallo, who finished the competition with six goals. Diallo’s clinical finishing was crucial in Senegal’s march to the final, with his goals providing early momentum for the eventual champions.

The Best Goalkeeper gong went to Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, who delivered a series of impressive performances between the posts throughout the tournament. Bounou’s agility, shot-stopping prowess and leadership at the back helped Morocco reach the final and kept his side competitive in tight matches.

Senegal’s midfield maestro Pape Gueye was named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. Gueye’s tireless work rate, vision and game-changing moments most notably his extra-time winner in the final set him apart as a driving force for the champions. His influence in both defensive duties and transitional play earned him widespread acclaim from fans and pundits alike.

CAF also unveiled its Team of the Tournament, a star-studded XI featuring players from across Africa who delivered exceptional performances at AFCON. The lineup includes: