"The Caf executive committee announced the winner, Frederic Kanoute, after the vote was counted, " he said.

BBC: CHOOSE A SPORT

Both Frederic Kanoute and Mohammed Sissoko claim that the current squad of Mali will shock pundits in Ghana.

BBC: CHOOSE A SPORT

Drogba refused to travel to Togo for the ceremony on 1 February, and the award was given to Frederic Kanoute.

BBC: CHOOSE A SPORT

The Spain-based duo of Mali striker Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla) and Cameroon star Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona) have also made the cut.

BBC: award shortlist announced

Sevilla star Frederic Kanoute scored in the 89th minute after Sudan defender Saeed Mustapha Balla was sent off in the 41st.

CNN: Late goal keeps Super Eagles in finals race

Barcelona's Seydou Keita with a double, a brilliant Frederic Kanoute header and finally, deep into injury time, the equalizer from substitute Mustapha Yatabare completed the great escape.

CNN: Mali deny Angola with stunning comeback

The Frenchman also persuaded the Tottenham Hotspur striker, Frederic Kanoute, and Valencia's Mohamed Lamine Sissoko to switch national allegiances to play for the Eagles after a change in Fifa rules on international eligibility.

BBC: SPORT | Football | African | Stambouli to leave Mali

Togo are playing the game in Accra after being slapped with a three-match home ban after post-match violence during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last year, in which Mali star Frederic Kanoute was injured.

BBC: Adebayor boost for Togo