Kanouté claims African honour

Frédéric Kanouté has been named the African Footballer of the Year, edging out Chelsea FC duo Didier Drogba and Michael Essien to become the first European-born player to win the award.

Mali milestone
The French-born 30-year-old Sevilla FC striker, who has just returned to Spain after being involved in the Africa Cup of Nations with Mali, is the first player from his country to claim the accolade since Salif Keita won the inaugural prize in 1970. Kanouté goes back to the UEFA Champions League contenders after scoring only once in Mali's three group games in the competition as they were eliminated in the opening phase.

'Tool for development'
The player, who has found the net eight times in 18 appearances for Mali, said: "I dedicate this to my family, who could not be here, and to the people of Mali. I believe that sport can be used as a tool for development in Africa." The African Footballer of the Year award is run by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and voted for by national coaches from 53 African countries. Previous winners include George Weah, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto'o and 2006 recipient Drogba.

Fine form
Former Olympique Lyonnais, West Ham United FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC marksman Kanouté, enjoyed his best season to date in 2006/07 when he scored 21 times in 32 Primera División appearances for Sevilla. He was also an important part of the squad that successfully defended the UEFA Cup and lifted the Spanish Cup. He has continued that form into the current campaign, finding the net eight times in the league and four times in Sevilla's debut season in the UEFA Champions League.