Thierry tips 16-goal Gabon star for CAF award, warns of tough battle against Salah, Osimhen, Hakimi

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen, and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi are the frontrunners for the Men’s Player of the Year at this year’s CAF Awards…

Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma has thrown his support behind former FC Lorient player Denis Bouanga, Soccernet.ng reports.

The winger, who has scored 16 goals for the Panthers of Gabon, has been shortlisted among the ten nominees for the CAF African Player of the Year.

The Los Angeles FC star’s impressive performances for both club and country have earned him a deserved spot in the prestigious awards ceremony slated for next January.

Bouanga's influence has been key to Gabon’s World Cup qualification campaign, where he finished as the third-highest scorer in the African zone qualifiers with eight goals, per Foot Africa.

Mouyouma Praises Bouanga’s Rise

Speaking ahead of the CAF Awards, coach Mouyouma expressed pride in Bouanga’s achievements and said his inclusion among Africa’s best is well-deserved.

“As for Denis Bouanga, he's having a top-level season with Los Angeles FC in MLS, where he's scoring a lot of goals, and with Gabon, he finished as the third-highest scorer in the African zone's World Cup qualifiers (8 goals). He too is lifting the team,” Mouyouma said to Afrik Foot.

He added that while Bouanga has been remarkable, the competition for the top honour remains fierce.

“Yes, and his presence among the contenders makes sense. He's an effective, spectacular player, and I think he has a chance, even though, with Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, or Achraf Hakimi, the competition will be particularly tough.”

The Battle for Africa’s Top Honour

Bouanga is set to go head-to-head with some of the continent’s biggest stars, including Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Galatasaray), and Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, PSG).

These players have been consistently outstanding in their respective leagues and on the international stage.

The MLS star will be hoping to beat the three favourites to win the 2025 CAF POTY Award.

Can Bouanga Win It?

Despite being considered an underdog, Bouanga’s influence for both Gabon and Los Angeles FC makes him a strong contender.

If he maintains his fine form and inspires Gabon in their upcoming World Cup play-off against Nigeria, Bouanga could strengthen his case even further.