Five defining moments for Africa

THERE were some magnificent personal achievements for top African footballers overseas, and the promise of a brighter future for the running of the game on the continent after three decades of rule by Issa Hayatou came to a end in the Confederation of African Football elections.

TIMESLive looks at the best five moments in African football in 2017. 1. Nigeria beating Cameroon 4-0 It was the last chance for Cameroon to keep alive their World Cup hopes, and they went into the game as newly crowned African champions.

Nigeria were going into the game after being beaten at home by South Africa in their previous match, but two goals in each half saw the Nigerians to a convincing win.

2. Cameroon winning Nations Cup

The Indomitable Lions team under Hugo Broos was not given much chance in Gabon at the start of the year.

Yet the Belgian trainer showed faith in a rag-tag bunch as Cameroon scrapped their way through to the final against Egypt and won with a late goal from Vincent Aboubakar.

3. Pierre Aubameyang finishing top scorer in the Bundesliga the African

The Gabon international ended the 2016/17 Bundesliga season as top scorer, with 31 goals.

4. Mohamed Salah’s signing for Liverpool

The Egyptian speedster set a new record for an African footballer with his £34.3-million (about R570-million) move from Roma to Liverpool.

5. Change of leadership at the Confederation of African Football

Ahmad of Madagascar’s candidacy against long-time incumbent Issa Hayatou for the leadership of African soccer seemed an act of suicide, but he surprised the odds by winning the election.