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Home , Islam Slimani, Lakhdar Belloumi, Rabah Madjer, Rainford Kalaba, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane

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ABUJA: Algerian and Leicester forward poses for a photo after being crowned African Footballer of the Year late Thursday. — AFP Mahrez named top African footballer

ABUJA: forward Riyad Mahrez was Thursday voted in 1987 and in 1981. Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Khama Billiat and African Footballer of the Year after he inspired Leicester All three players who made the shortlist for the African ’s Rainford Kalaba. Onyango was outstanding when City to the English title last season. Footballer of the Year were also picked in CAF XI that also seven-time South African champions Sundowns won an Mahrez, 25, beat Gabon skipper Pierre-Emerick features defender Eric Bailly from Manchester historic CAF Champions League and also when Uganda Aubameyang, who scooped the prestigious accolade last United. Goalkeeper Denis Onyango was picked for the qualified for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations after a long year, into second place, with Senegal star Sadio Mane, who African Player of the Year Based in Africa award ahead of absence. — AFP features for Liverpool, taking third place. The France-born forward said it was an honor to be named the best African player for the past year. AWARD WINNERS CAF African XI for 2016 “It’s a huge honor, I am happy and pleased. I thank all Goalkeeper: Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi my teammates at Leicester and Algeria,” Mahrez said as he African Player of the Year: Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Sundowns) received the award. “I dedicate this to my family and all Leicester City) Defenders: (Cote d’Ivoire & PSG), Aymen those who support me every day.” Leicester caused a African Player of the Year - based in Africa: Denis Abdenour ( & Valencia), Eric Bailly (Cote d’Ivoire & major shock when as 5,000-1 outsiders they went on to Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns) Manchester United), Joyce Lomalisa (DRC &AS Vita) win the Premier League last season. Mahrez, a slightly- Women’s Player of the Year: Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria & : Khama Billiat ( & Mamelodi built, right-sided forward who started out with hometown Arsenal Ladies) Sundowns), Rainford Kalaba (Zambia & TP Mazembe),Keegan club AAS Sarcelles in 2004, played a key role in the Foxes’ Most promising talent: Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria & Dolly ( & Mamelodi Sundowns) stunning run with 17 goals, 10 assists in 37 appearances. Manchester City) Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & He was the first Algerian to win a Premier League cham- Young Player of the Year: Alex Iwobi (Nigeria & Arsenal) Borussia Dortmund), Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool), Riyad pions medal and sparked a massive following back home of the Year: Pitso Mosimane (Mamelodi Sundowns) Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City) in Algeria for the club, who he had first thought was a rug- Club of the Year: Mamelodi Sundowns Subs: Aymen Mathlouthi (Tunisia & Etoile du Sahel), by team when he was contacted to join them four years National team of the Year: Uganda (Senegal & Napoli), Salif Coulibaly (Mali & ago. Mahrez’s win ended a 19-year absence on the podium Women’s national team of the Year: Nigeria TP Mazembe), (Algeria & Leicester City), for a player from north Africa since Morocco’s Mustapha Referee of the Year: Bakary Papa Gassama ( & Roma), Kelechi Iheanacho (Nigeria Hadji in 1998. Other Algerians to have won the award were & Manchester City), Alex Iwobi (Nigeria & Arsenal).