Onyango roots for Egypt’s Salah to retain award as Caf releases shortlist

KAMPALA. With his brand soaring on the continent every day, Uganda Cranes and Mamelodi Sundowns custodian Denis Onyango has learned how to deal with the star attraction that comes along.
Over the weekend, Onyango was shortlisted with 33 other illustrious players, most plying their trade in Europe, for the African Player of the Year and he was quick to point to the favourite when the final pronouncement is made on January 8 in Dakar, Senegal.
Not him, but Egypt and Liverpool lethal forward Mohamed Salah who won it last year.
“Of course Salah for me is still favourite,” he told Daily Monitor.
Though he acknowledges that he may not be lucky like in 2016 when he scooped the Africa based best football accolade, Onyango reserves faint hope.
“Well about making the final shortlist, I cannot say that am optimistic about it because it is not a goalkeeper’s category.
“There are a lot of great players in the pool so I do not see myself there but in football anything is possible,” he said.
His monumental achievements with Cranes this calendar year - qualifying for Afcon with a game to spare and a clean sheet in 450 minutes of qualifying - speak volumes and Onyango is elated his efforts have been recognised.
“Of course it is a great feeling being nominated among the best on the continent and mostly it is the third time in a row. For me it is an achievement on its own.”
Apart from Salah, Alex Iwobi (Nigeria & Arsenal), Hakim Ziyech (Morocco & Ajax), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Manchester City) and Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool) are the other top contenders to the coveted award.
Having Whereas Cranes sailed through Afcon Group H with 13 points and no goals conceded, Mauritania and Madagascar made their first ever appearance - enough to attract the eyes of the voters.