Mohamed Salah was obviously the most prominent award recipient at Thursday’s Aiteo/CAF Awards but there were a lot other stand out stars from the event.
Salah, 26, saw off competition from Liverpool teammate, Sadio Mane, as well as Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to clinch the top prize.
The award caps an extraordinary year for the Egyptian who secured a dream move to Liverpool and helped the Pharaohs reach the World Cup for the first time in 18 years.
Yet, certain dignitaries and moments snatched the spotlight off the ex-Roma winger.
Here is a quintet.
- Bovi hosting the red carpet
What else do you expect when one of the continent’s finest comedians is directed to interview guests making their entrance to the event? Humour, humour and loads of it. Nigeria’s Bovi Ugboma was saddled with that light task and surely he didn’t disappoint.
- Obasanjo in the crowd
At a first glance, many may have confused the CAF Awards for a U.N, A.U or ECOWAS conference after citing an unusual face in the crowd. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo was constantly picked upon by the cameras and seemed fidgety. Perhaps he was in the wrong place at the right time.
- Noko Matlou, male or man?
As it is the tradition with the Women’s Player of the Year category, Aiteo chose a former winner to do Asisat Oshoala the honours. Surprisingly though, a muscular ex-South Africa football star, Noko Matlou, stepped up. Matlou somewhat reminded everyone how sexy Oshoala truly is.
- Didier Drogba goes bald?
Like the biblical Samson, Didier Drogba was famous for his luscious hairstyle. Throughout his Marseille days and two stints at Chelsea, the forward wasn’t only renowned for his goalscoring prowess but his hairdo too. But on this rare occasion, the Ivorian, who co-hosted the event with Carol Tshabalala showed up bald.
- Kaffy’s multiple performances
About eight separate acts thrilled the audience in Accra, but none had the rare privilege of hitting the stage twice. However, popular Nigerian dancer, Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, better known as Kaffy did. The 37-year-old performed alongside almost all the entertainers.
