Flames striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango says he cannot hide his excitement after making the 2022 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Goal of the Year Award final shortlist.

CAF Awards Gala is set for tomorrow evening in Rabat, Morocco where the South Africa-based forward has been invited to attend.

Mhango (L) in previous action against Zimbabwe at the Afcon finals in Cameroon
at Afcon in Cameroon

Mhango’s stunner against Morocco’s Atlas Lions at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Cameroon in January, made the initial list alongside nine others.

In an interview on Tuesday, the 29-year-old said: “To make the final shortlist is, in itself, an honour.

“I cannot explain how happy I am, it is an amazing feeling. Let me thank all Malawians and indeed everyone who voted for me, I do not take it for granted.

“I look forward to being part of the party.”

On how he rates his chances, the AmaZulu FC player sighed and said: “It’s tight, but I am in there, let’s wait and see.”

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Alfred Gunda confirmed receiving Mhango’s invitation to the awards.

Part of the communication from CAF reads: “We would like to inform you that as part of the voting process of the CAF Awards 2022, Mr. Hellings Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango has been shortlisted among the players competing for the Goal of the Year.

“In consequence, CAF is extending him a formal invitation to attend the ceremony scheduled for 21st July 2022 in Rabat [Morocco].

“Kindly assist us in confirming his presence and giving us the desired travel itenerary to/from Morocco as well as providing us with his passport for the necessary travel arrangements.”

In their reactions, Minister of Youth and Sports Richard Chimwendo Banda and FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said Mhango’s goal deserved to make the final list.

Said the minister: “Just by being shortlisted and that he has earned himself a ticket to be at the awards make all of us proud. I am optimistic that he will earn the ultimate glory.

“Let me also thank Malawians for heeding the call to vote for their son.”

On his part, Nyamilandu said: “Thanks to everyone who voted for Gaba! He deserves to be there. In fact, he deserves the award.

“Judging from the angle, distance, velocity and execution, it is by far the best.”

The beauty of the goal lay in the execution, the way he curled a sweet right foot shot with precision, was a wonder to behold and he was feted like a king by a football world hungry for goals of the archive.

At the tournament, Mhango finished as third leading scorer with three goals.

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