Senegal's Sadio Mane has been named as Confederation of African Football's Player of Year. Nigeria and Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala was named African Women's Player of Year. Mane, 27, edged out his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah to scoop award. Mane was key in helping his team Liverpool win Champions League in 2019 and finish runners-up in England's Premier League. He was prolific in attack and scored 30 goals in all competitions during 2018-19 season. Mane was also co-winner of last season's Premier League Golden Boot, which is awarded to league's top goalscorer. He shared this award with Salah and Arsenal's striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Mane was ecstatic at winning award. He had finished second and third in previous two seasons and it is fourth time he has been shortlisted for accolade. He told football journalists at awards ceremony in Egypt: "I'm really happy and proud to win this. Football is my job. I love it. I would like to thank my family, my national team, staff, federation and Liverpool Football Club." He added: "I would like to thank all of Senegalese who supported me during my journey....They will be glad watching me win this award, especially people in my village whom I promised I would win Player of Year. I cannot describe my feelings after winning this award and these emotions which surround me in Egypt."
