Somalia’s star player Abdihafid Mohamed Abdi has said he is delighted to be voted the best player at the just concluded TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The forward helped Somalia make history by stopping South Sudan 3-1 in the final played on October 15th at the Abebe Bikila Stadium.
To reach the final Somalia ejected 2020 champions Uganda Cubs, while South Sudan eliminated Tanzania. Abdihafid netted three goals in the tournament including the final.
The youngster who is already playing Premier League football with Somalian team Elman SC said besides helping Somalia qualify for the U-17 AFCON 2023, he is glad that he was voted the best player.
Nur Mohamed Amin, the Somalia U-17 head coach praised Abdihafid for leading the team from the front and giving his best. “Abdihafid played an instrumental role in our team and he deserved to be voted the best player,” added the coach.
It is remembered that host Ethiopia’s national U-17 side booted out of the group stage after a disappointing double defeat at the hands of ultimate champions Somalia and Tanzania.
Other Awards
Fair-Play Award: Ethiopia
Best Goalkeeper: Abdikadir Ali Mohamed (Somalia)
Top Scorers’ Award: Sylvester Otto (Tanzania).
Bronze Medal: Tanzania U-17 team
Silver Medal: South Sudan U-17 team
Gold Medalist: Somalia