Sadio Mane wins African Player of the Year at CAF awards 2019

Sadio Mane has been crowned the African Men's Player of the Year for 2019 at the annual CAF Awards.

Mane saw off competition from the likes of Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah and Manchester City's African Cup of Nations star Riyad Mahrez.

Mane, 27, enjoyed a stunning year with Liverpool, winning the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup as well as missing out on the Premier League title by a single point.

Mane also finished joint second in the AFCON top scorers list, though Senegal were beaten in the final by Algeria.

It's official! 🥇

The African Player of the Year for 2⃣0⃣1⃣9⃣ is #SadioMane

What an achievement for the Senegalese winger! 🇸🇳 #CAFAwards2019 pic.twitter.com/BwFBBxFBR1

— #CAFAwards2019 (@CAF_Online)

January 7, 2020

The forward has arguably become Jurgen Klopp's most important player at Anfield, with former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas taking to Twitter earlier on Tuesday to declare his belief that Mane is currently the Premier League's best player.

The Senegal star has scored 11 League goals and set up another six with Liverpool currently cruising towards the title as they sit 13 points clear with a game in hand.

Mane beat Liverpool team-mate Salah to the prize (PA)

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