Kanoute named African Footballer of the Year

Mali striker Fredi Kanoute has been named 2007 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

The Sevilla forward is the first European-born player to win the award which is voted for by national coaches of the 53 Caf associations.

He beat off competition from Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba and Michael Essien of Ghana.

Kanoute helped Mali qualify for this year's Africa Cup of Nations.

He also helped Sevilla to triumph in last season's Uefa Cup and King's Cup.

Other awards were given to the Ivory Coast as the African team of the year and Champions League winners Etoile Sahel of Tunisia as the club of the year.

Etoile Sahel striker Armine Chermiti was named the best African club competition player and Zambian Clifford Mulenga Young African Player of the Year.