CAF Awards 2019: Sadio Mane named African Footballer of the Year
- CAF award 2019 saw Achraf Hakimi crowned African Youth Player of the Year
- The Morocco star clinched the prestigious prize in recognition for his impact in national team and club
- Meanwhile, Sadio Mane was also named African Footballer of the Year for 2019
- Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in
Liverpool's Sadio Mané has been named African Footballer of the Year 2019 for the first time after beating teammate Mohamed Salah and Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez, while Barcelona and Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala was named as women's player of the year.
Mane, 27, is only the second Senegalese to win the award after El Hadji Diouf, who was the winner in 2001 and 2002.
READ ALSO: Sadio Mané: Liverpool star gets new iPhone 11 from teammates Georginio Wijnaldum
Meanwhile, Moroccan sensation, Achraf Hakimi, has been named African Youth Player of the Year during the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards held in Egypt on Tuesday night, January 8.
The Borussia Dortmund defender clinched the award in style, beating off stiff competition from Nigerian duo of Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.
Hakimi was instrumental to Morocco's impressive resurgence in the AFCON 2019 tournament in Egypt where they came fourth after defeat to Nigeria's Super Eagles.
The 21-year-old right-back prodigy, who is on loan from Real Madrid, has a market value worth of €45 million.
His stellar growth at club level saw him rise through the rank of recognition to become an established star with the German giants, marking him out one of the finest youngsters in the world.
Achraf made his full international debut on in 2016, coming on as a substitute for Fouad Chafik in a 4–0 win against Canada.
In May 2018, he was named in Morocco's preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and on 4 June he was named in the final 23-man squad for the summer tournament.
READ ALSO: Meet the Ghanaian footballers doing drugs in Bangladesh
Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez has won the 2019 African Goal of the Year for his stunning free-kick against Nigeria.
The Man City star curled into the net to send Algeria into AFCON 2019 final against Senegal. They won the trophy with a lone goal.
Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page.
Source: YEN.com.gh
