Dar es Salaam – In a moment that reverberated throughout the footballing world, Clement Mzize, the dynamic striker for Young Africans (Yanga), has made history by becoming the first Tanzanian to win the prestigious CAF African Goal of the Year Award since its inception in 2001. The 21-year-old star was honored on Wednesday night in Morocco, triumphing against a competitive pool of 12 nominees shortlisted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Mzize’s remarkable achievement stems from a breathtaking long-range equalizer he scored against DR Congo’s TP Mazembe during a CAF Champions League clash at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in January 2025.
With his team trailing, Mzize unleashed a stunning 30-yard strike that soared past the goalkeeper, igniting euphoric celebrations among fans and teammates alike. His goal not only changed the course of the match but also played a pivotal role in Yanga’s eventual 3-1 victory, encapsulating the excitement and unpredictability of African football.
The shortlist of nominees featured an array of exceptional talents, including Morocco’s Abdellah Ouazane, Egypt’s Anas Roshdy, and Burkina Faso’s Asharaf Tapsoba. However, amidst such a strong field, Mzize’s strike stood out due to its superb technique, immense power, and precise timing, marking it as a defining moment in the competition.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, Mzize dedicated the award to not only Young Africans but to the entire nation of Tanzania. “I am thrilled and proud to win this award. It is for all Tanzanians,” he stated. “I thank my teammates, the Yanga management, our fans, and our members. Their support pushed me to this level. This award has inspired me to work harder in my career so that one day I can become one of the greatest players on the continent.”
Mzize’s victory highlights Tanzania’s growing footprint in African football, as he becomes the second player from the Tanzania Mainland Premier League to receive this honor, following Senegalese winger Pape Ousmane Sakho, who won the award in 2022 while representing Simba.
This accolade not only cements Mzize’s place in Tanzanian football history but also recalls the legacy of former Tanzanian star Mbwana Samatta, who clinched the African Inter-Club Player of the Year award during his successful tenure with TP Mazembe.
The gala night was a momentous occasion for the East African region, celebrating not just Mzize’s triumph but also the recognition of Somalia’s Omar Abdulkadir Artan as Referee of the Year and Uganda’s Shamirah Nabadda, who took home the women’s category award. Together, these achievements secured an impressive three awards for the Cecafa region, shining a spotlight on the burgeoning football talents of East Africa.
As Mzize’s journey unfolds, fans and aspiring players alike will be watching closely, inspired by his remarkable story and the promise of what lies ahead in his career.
