Asisat, Mane win CAF 2019 African Football Players of the Year Award

By Abdulmoomeen S. Yitta

Asisat Oshoala, a Barcleona Star and Sadio Mane of Liverpool have both won the 2019 African Footballers of the Year at the 28th edition of the CAF 2019 Award ceremony held on Tuesday, January 7 at the Albatros Citadel Sahl Hasheesh Resort in Hurghada, Egypt.

Asisat Oshoala has for the fourth time since 2014 won the 2019 African Women football player of the year award, after she garnered 351 votes making her equal to Perpetua Nkwocha, who won the award in 2004.

Asisat beat Thembi Kgatlana, and Ajara of Cameroon to emerge the winner in the category. Delighted with her success, on her twitter handle, Asisat expressed gratitude to her family, fans teammates, and CAF for the opportunity.

She twitted,“Grateful to be African Women’s Player of the year for the 4th time. Thank God, my Family, Friends and Fans for the support. Big shoutout to my club , my management , team mates at both national team and club level and of course thanks to @CAF_Online for the opportunity.”

Sadio Mane, in another category, bagged the African Football player of the year award at the same CAF ceremony. Mane, a Liverpool star, has helped his club win 2018/2019 UEFA champions League season. Mane got the 2019 award which is the fourth time he would be nominated for the award. Mane lost to Aubameyang in 2016, and twice 2017 and 2018 to Mohamed Salah. Ahmad Ahmad, the President of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, presented the Award which Mane received with much delight.

Speaking after receiving the award, Mane said, “I am really happy and at the same time I am proud to win this award.” He further thanked his family, national coach, national teammates as well as his Liverpool football club, teammates, and the staff of the club for their support.