Liverpool and Egypt Forward, Mohammed Salah has emerged the 2017 African Footballer of the Year.
The Liverpool talisman defeated a his team mate, Saido Mańe and Gabon International, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to win the most prestigious continental award for this first time in his career in an event at Accra, Ghana.
In the women category, Nigeria and Dalian Quanjian striker, Asisat Oshoala won the award for the third time in the space of four years.
Oshoala emerged victorious follow a fierce criticism that trailed his move from Arsenal to Chinese side last year.
She ventilated her feelings after receiving the award by saying, “When I left Arsenal a lot of people said ‘your career is going to be gone.’ But I told myself: ‘I can do this.’ And here we are today.
“I want to use this opportunity to encourage all the young girls out there – don’t let anyone talk you down, don’t listen to people, follow your heart.”
Egypt won big in the event as they claimed three victories that include Coach of the year and National Team of the year.
Salah picked out Egypt’s success when discussing his individual award.
“2017 was an unbelievable year for me – I had a fantastic time with the national team,” he said after his triumph.
Former Ghana star Ibrahim Sunday was given a special “Legend” award and the “Platinum award” was given jointly to the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo and the President-elect of Liberia, the former World Footballer of the Year, George Weah.
