Announced favorite for the African Ballon d’Or, Achraf Hakimi ultimately did not win the distinction. Last Monday, the award was presented to Atalanta Bergamo striker Ademola Lookman. But one of the voters cast doubt on the final result.
This is undoubtedly a big disappointment for Achraf Hakimi. During the CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech last Monday, the Moroccan hoped to win the African Ballon d’Or on home soil. The right back of Paris Saint-Germain, whose president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi had made the trip, could easily claim this reward after his great year for club and selection. But the trophy finally landed in the hands of Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian striker who won the Europa League with Atalanta Bergamo.
Enough to arouse a lot of criticism, especially after the accusation of the Moroccan Badou Zaki because of his uncounted vote. “ I didn’t manage to vote for Achraf Hakimi, I hoped he would be crowned with the Ballon d’Orthe Niger coach told Radio Mars. He’s a top star. He’s the best right back in the world, and he still has things to offer in the future. Compared to the Atalanta Bergamo striker, at the level of collective titles, the figures betray Achraf who will be a candidate for the coronation in the future, God willing. »
Zaki’s accusation
« Fouzi Lekjaa (president of the Moroccan Federation) did not commit any interference in these affairs despite his strength within the continent, which confirms his integrity and the right of every Moroccan to win continental awardsadded Achraf Hakimi’s compatriot. I didn’t vote even though I was chosen to do so. A number of technical problems occurred during the voting process. Despite the intervention of the university and the Confederation of African Football, I think someone voted for me and I was unable to vote for the CAF Awards. » Suffice to say that his accusation will launch a huge controversy.
