By Darlington Mutsvairi
Algeria’s captain Riyad Mahrez’s goal against the Zimbabwe Warriors on Monday has been voted the best goal after garnering 50% of the votes cast, beating his closest rival, Warriors captain Knowledge Musona who managed to amass 44% in a poll conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on twitter after the just ended back to back Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.
The Algerian who plies his trade in the English Premier League for Manchester City did not bag it on a silver platter as Warriors skipper Musona gave him a good run for his money.
At one point, with less than 6 hours before polling closed, Musona temporarily took a lead as he sat on 49% of votes cast while Mahrez was on 44% of the total votes.
The stiffness of the competition could also be witnessed by the exchange of words by the fans on the social media platform.
“Let’s vote for our skipper for that amazing goal,” posted Soccer24, apparently in reference to Musona.
On twitter, @MKhosana who seems to be a fan of Mahrez and probably a Manchester City supporter was not in sync with Soccer24.
“My fellow Zimbos let’s stop being biased…Deep down we all know Mahrez’s goal deserves to win and followed by Ibrahim. Knowledge and Ayew goals are good but not on the same level as the other two,” he tweeted.
In retaliation @KaridzaJack tweeted, “They wouldn’t have presented us with this loaded short-list if the winner was obvious like you’re trying to falsely portray it here.”
Both Musona and Mahrez’s goals were scored in the same match when the two captains’ sides clashed at the National Sports Stadium on Monday this week in Harare in a match that ended in a 2 all stalemate.
🔥 Solo effort
👌 Perfectly placed shot
🎯 Pinpoint free kick
🚀 Rocket strikeSome outstanding goals from the past two matchdays, which of these four is the greatest? 👇 @Mahrez22 | @AyewAndre | @KMusonaofficial | #TotalAFCONQ2021
— CAF (@CAF_Online) November 18, 2020
Also in the contention were Ghanaian captain Andre ‘Adede’ Ayew and Madagascar’ss Ibrahim Amada who both managed to garner a paltry 3% apiece of the total votes cast.
