Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has been awarded the 2011 African Player of the Year award, after impressive performances for club and country.
Toure has become an important player for Roberto Mancini’s men since signing from European champions Barcelona in 2010, and scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final last season to end City’s 35 year trophy-less spell.
The news was released by the Confederation of African Football’s official website, who revealed that it was a close race for top spot.
“The 28-year old pipped Ghanaian midfielder Andre Ayew and Malian Seydou Keita to scoop the top-most honour at the Awards Gala on Thursday at the Banquet Hall, State House in Accra,” it stated.
Toure is only the second player from the Ivory Coast to win the award, following on from Didier Drogba’s success, and it is the highest personal honour an African player can receive given that it is selected by coaches in the region.
By Gareth McKnight
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