Egypt and Liverpool star, Mohamed Salah, has been named CAF Africa Player of the Year for 2017.
“It’s an honour to be nominated and be between this two great players tonight,” an emotional Salah said after he was presented with the award on Thursday night.
“Winning this award is a dream for me. 2017 is an unbelievable year for both with my club and family.
“I want to thank my family and everyone who helped me. I dedicate this award to all the kids in Egypt and Africa. Never stop believing and dreaming. ”
The award held in Accra, Ghana and sponsored by Aiteo had in attendance some of the biggest names in the African football circle.
Also in attendance were some prominent political figures, most notably Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo, former President Jerry Rawlings and former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.
Salah scooped the biggest prize at the expense of club teammate, Sadio Mane and Gabon skipper, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Super Falcons forward, Asisat Oshoala, picked up the women’s top accolade while Egypt was awarded Team of the Year.
Manager of the North African country, Hector Cuper, edged Super Eagles’ Gernot Rohr for the Coach of Year.
Other notable awards recipients include Zambia’s Krepin Diatta who went home with Youth Player of the Year, South Africa’s U20 side as Women National Team and Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya as Football Leader.
The platinum awards went to Akufo-Addo and Liberia President-elect, George Weah.
