Stunning strikes: Ndlondlo and Bayazid earn CAF Goal of the Year nominations

Two unforgettable goals scored against the Uganda Cranes during the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 CAF Goal of the Year Award.

Algerian forward Sofiane Bayazid and Bafana Bafana playmaker Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo are among the 13 nominees announced by CAF, with their brilliant strikes earning continental recognition for flair, precision, and impact.

Bayazid’s goal came in Algeria’s 3-0 triumph over Uganda at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, where he showed composure and skill to round goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa before calmly slotting home in what was Uganda’s opening match of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Ndlondlo’s strike stood out for its audacity and technique during South Africa’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Uganda. The diminutive midfielder, who plies his trade with Marumo Gallants, unleashed a breathtaking effort from distance that sailed over Gavin Kizito—who had retreated to cover the goal—with Mutakubwa already off his line.

Both goals will battle against 11 other sensational strikes scored in CAF competitions between 6 January and 15 October 2025, each representing exceptional moments of brilliance across the continent.

Africa’s governing body confirmed that public voting opened on Thursday, 6 November and will close on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. Fans can cast their votes through a dedicated portal at CAFOnline.com and via CAF’s official social media platforms.

Unlike other categories, the Goal of the Year Award is entirely decided by fan votes (100%), making it a true reflection of public appreciation for the game’s most memorable moments.

The winner will be unveiled at the Awards Gala, a night dedicated to honouring Africa’s finest players, coaches, and teams whose performances defined the review period.

Full List of CAF Goal of the Year 2025 Nominees:

Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco) – Morocco vs Tanzania – #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17
Anas Roshdy (Egypt) – Egypt vs South Africa – #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17
Asharaf Tapsoba (Burkina Faso) – Burkina Faso vs Cameroon – #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17
Barbra Banda (Zambia) – Zambia vs Morocco – #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024
Calvin Fely (Madagascar) – Madagascar vs Morocco – #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024
Clement Mzize (Tanzania) – Young Africans vs TP Mazembe – #TotalEnergiesCAFCL
Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) – Morocco vs Nigeria – #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024
Ibrahim Adel (Egypt) – Pyramids FC vs ES Tunis – #TotalEnergiesCAFCL
Jean-Claude Girumugisha (Burundi) – Al Hilal SC vs MC Alger – #TotalEnergiesCAFCL
Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo (South Africa) – South Africa vs Uganda – #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024
Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco) – Morocco vs Madagascar – #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024
Refiloe Jane (South Africa) – South Africa vs Mali – #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024
Soufiane Bayazid (Algeria) – Algeria vs Uganda – #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024