Senegal striker El-Hadji Diouf has been voted player of the year by the African Football Confederation.
Diouf collected 93 votes to beat Ghana defender and favourite Samuel Kuffour, who came second with 66 votes.
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto`o received 34 to come third for the second consecutive year.
Kuffour from German champions Bayern Munich was disappointed after pre-ceremony comments that he would be a worthy recipient of the ultimate individual accolade for African footballers.
No defender has topped the poll since its introduction 32 years ago, although goalkeepers Thomas `Black Spider` N`Kono of Cameroon (twice) and Badou Zaki of Morocco were previous winners.
Coach of the Year was Senegal`s France-born Bruno Metsu, while the Senegalese `Lions` also took the National team of the
Year award.
Hosts South Africa had cause for celebration with Kaizer Chiefs judged the Club of the Year.
Champions League Player of the Year category was won by Angolan striker Flavio Amado.
Selected winners:
Footballer of the Year - El-Hadji Diouf (Sen)
National team of the Year - Senegal
Club of the Year - Kaizer Chiefs (Rsa)
Coach of the Year - Bruno Metsu (Sen)
Champions League Player of the Year - Flavio Amado (Petro Atletico/Ang)
Young Player of the Year - Derek Boateng (Gha)
Fair play award - Nigeria
Previous Winners
2001 - El-Hadji Diouf
2000 - Patrick Mboma
1999 - Nwankwo Kanu
1998 - Mustapha Hadji
1997 - Victor Ikpeba
1996 - Nwankwo Kanu
1995 - George Weah
