Drogba Africa's best footballer
Afp, Accra
Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba was on Thursday named African Footballer of the Year, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on its website. In 2006, Drogba helped Ivory Coast reach the final of the African Nations Cup and he also played in the World Cup finals. He beat Barcelona and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, the winner in 2003, 2004, 2005, into second place with his Chelsea teammate, Michael Essien of Ghana, in third place. The 28-year-old Drogba scored both goals in Chelsea's League Cup final win over Arsenal last weekend. He also played in Chelsea's Premiership-winning teams of 2005 and 2006. "It's a great honour to be recognised," saud Drogba, the first Ivory Coast player to win the award. "I feel an indescribable joy and it's also a reward for all the sacrifices I have made in the past." Ghana, who reached the World Cup second round last year, were named team of the year. The best club award went to Egypt's Al Ahly who defended their African Champions League title. Al Ahly midfielder Mohamed Abou Treka was voted best player in CAF club competitions while his coach Jose Manuel took the coaching award. Nigeria's Taye Taiwo and his compatriot Cynthia Uwak won the awards for best junior player and best women's player respectively.
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