'Had a great tournament' - Afcon winner Sebastien Haller applauds Lookman but not his African POTY

2023 Africa Cup of Nations winner Sébastien Haller is understandably rooting for his compatriot, Simon Adingra to be crowned African Footballer of the Year on Monday, December 16 ahead of Ademola Lookman, Achraf Hakimi, Serhou Guirassy and Ronwen Williams.

Haller was the hero for the Elephants in February 2024, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations final. 

Lookman started the game and played for 79 minutes before being substituted for Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Atalanta forward had an outstanding tournament, scoring three goals and registering an assist and was named in the official Team of the Tournament.

Lookman's club form was exceptional, highlighted by a historic hat-trick that inspired Atalanta to a 3-0 triumph over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.

When asked who he thinks should win the African Player of the Year award, Haller told SportyTV: "I don't know how they are going to vote, I don't know how they are going to decide.

"There are many aspects that make this decision difficult because some of them like Guirassy scored a lot of goals with his European club. Unfortunately with his country, was a bit more tough.

"Lookman has a good season with the club, great season, also in the Afcon he had a great tournament.”

Haller highlighted that Adingra won the Africa Cup of Nations but admitted that Lookman and Guirassy played a more pivotal role for their clubs.

"You have Adingra as well. Of course if I have to choose someone it will be him. I will be more than happy for him and I spent some time with him during the Afcon because we were both injured when we arrived.

"He has a good season with the club, maybe less brilliant than the two others but he delivered when he came on in the Afcon and went back with the title. It will be tough.

"Let's see what they think and what is the most important for them. I will follow it and hopefully an Ivorian guy will get the trophy."

The 2024 CAF Awards will showcase the best of African football, with a glamorous ceremony at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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