Flames star Frank Gabadinho Mhango’s superb long-rage goal against Morocco in Malawi’s 2-1 loss at Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Cameroon in the round of 16 has failed to win CAF Goal of the Year Award.

From the three goals that made the shortlist, Senegal’s Pape Ousmane Sakho’s goal for his club Simba FC of Tanzania in CAF Confederation Cup 3-1 victory over Asec Mimosa was declared the best.

Mhango (R) shoots to score the nominated goal

Gaba, who did not attend the awards gala in Rabat, Morocco, said in an interview last night that though he had failed to win the award, he was proud to make it to the top three.

He said: “I would like to thank Malawians and everyone else who voted for me.

“I won the day I started wearing the Flames jersey and I will always be proud.”

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu, who attended the awards ceremony, said Mhango had achieved a lot by making it to the last three.

He said: “We had high hopes that Gaba would win it, but tough luck. It will still remain a superb goal in the history of African football. This should inspire Gabadinho and lots of up and coming football players in Malawi that they can compete among the best in the world.”

Soccer analyst George Chiusiwa said despite failing to win the award, Malawians should be proud of Gaba’s goal.

He said: “He might not have won the ultimate accolade, but his goal was classic, a marvel and a beauty.

“The mere recognition by CAF of that cracker scored against Morocco to be among the top three goals really makes us proud.

“Gaba is our excellent football ambassador.”

The Flames striker started his career at Southern Region Football League’s Brave Warriors before moving to TNM Super League giants Nyasa Big Bullets in 2011.

In 2013, South Africa’s defunct Bloemfontein Celtic signed him where he netted 15 goals.

His national team career took off with a brace against Chad in the Flames’ 2015 Afcon qualifier 2-0 win at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

In 2016, Celtic loaned Gaba to Golden Arrows where he scored five goals in 13 appearances.

He later moved to Bidvest Wits for three seasons where he won his first ever Premier Soccer League (PSL).

But Gaba found himself in trouble after spitting in the face of on Golden Arrows’ player in PSLand the club offloaded him.

Gaba relaunched his career at the 2019 Cosafa Cup where he scored three goals to finish as joint top scorer, prompting Orlando Pirates to sign him.

At Pirates, he became the first Malawian to win the PSL Golden Boot with 14 goals.

But his second season at Pirates was marred by off pitch controversy which led to coach Mandla Ncikazi sidelining him for prolonged spells.

His performance at Afcon where he scored three goals in two games including a brace in Malawi’s 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe and the long-range stunner against Morocco put him back on the limelight and the player has signed for AmaZulu.

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