A shortlist of 25 players will be considered for the Confederation of African Football’s 2016 African Player of the Year – Based in Africa award.
The accolade acknowledges the best footballers from Africa who play their club football on the continent. The nominees come from a total of 10 clubs throughout Africa.
The list has been heavily influenced by the CAF Champions League, with the premier club competition in Africa reaching the final stage this past weekend.
Finalists Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa and Egypt’s Zamalek are well represented on the shortlist, with three nominees playing for the White Knights while the Brazilians have five stars in the selection.
The CAF Confederation Cup is also given focus in this list, with four players representing finalists TP Mazembe of the DR Congo and a further player from other title-hopefuls MO Bejaia of Algeria included.
Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club have four players in the running for the award, while Zambia’s Zesco United saw three of their star performers receive the nod.
A select group of journalists and member association representatives will join the CAF Media Committee and Technical and Development Committee in voting for the most deserving candidates among the nominees.
It is likely that the CAF Champions League final will have the greatest bearing on the decision with regards to the individual award, as a total of eight from the 25 players in the list are taking part in the title match.
Sundowns keeper Dennis Onyango would be a good choice, as his efforts have allowed the Pretoria side to progress to the verge of African club glory, while he also assisted in putting an end to a 39-year wait for the Uganda Cranes to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations – a very good year for the stopper.
The eventual winner of the award will be announced at the Glo-CAF 2016 Awards Gala in Abuja, Nigeria on January 5 next year.
2016 African Player of the Year – Based in Africa shortlist:
Ali Gabr (Egypt & Zamalek)
Aymen Hefny (Egypt & Zamalek)
Aymen Mathlouthi (Tunisia & Etoile du Sahel)
Bassem Morsi (Egypt & Zamalek)
Chisom Chikatara (Nigeria & Wydad Athletic Club)
Dennis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)
Elia Meschak (DR Congo & TP Mazembe)
Fabrice Nguessi Ondama (Congo & Wydad Athletic Club)
Hamza Lahmar (Tunisia & Etoile du Sahel)
Hlompho Kekana (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
Idris Mbombo (DR Congo & Zesco United)
Itumeleng Khune (South Africa & Kaizer Chiefs)
Jackson Mwanza (Zambia & Zesco United)
Jesse Were (Kenya & Zesco United)
Joel Kimwaki (DR Congo & TP Mazembe)
Joyce Lomalisa (DR Congo & AS Vita)
Keegan Dolly (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
Khama Billiat (Zimbabwe & Mamelodi Sundowns)
Mfon Udoh (Nigeria & Enyimba)
Morgan Betorangal (Chad & MO Bejaia)
Rainford Kalaba (Zambia & TP Mazembe)
Reda Hajhouj (Morocco & Wydad Athletic Club)
Salif Coulibaly (Mali & TP Mazembe)
William Jebor (Liberia & Wydad Athletic Club)
Yannick Zakri (Côte d’Ivoire & Mamelodi Sundowns)