Kent Mensah, AfricaNews editor in Accra, Ghana and Glorea Bentil
Ivorian and Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba, has been declared the African Footballer of the Year 2009 in Accra, Ghana. This makes it the second time since he last won the coveted prize in 2006. He edged out Inter and Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o to deny the latter a record fourth win.
The 32-year-old is leading Les Elephants to the 2010 summer World Cup in South Africa and was at the helm of affairs when they dropped out in the quarters of the just ended African Cup of Nations.
Chelsea midfield ace Michael Essien who could not grab the ultimate award made it to the Africa finest eleven alongside Eto’o and national team mate John Paintsil.
AC Milan’s new sign-on Dominic Adiyiah was voted the Young Player of the Year while coach Sellas Tetteh grabbed the Coach of the Year award. Adiyiah fended off challenges from South Africa's Kermit Erasmus (Feyenoord and South Africa U-20) and Sani Emmanuel (Bodens BK and Nigeria U-17)
Adiyiah won the Goal King and voted player of the tournament in the FIFA World U-20 tourney in Egypt.
The National team of the year went to Algeria for their stupendous performance, beating rivals Egypt for their group's single slot for the World Cup.
Mputu Mabi of TP Mazembe snatched the Best African Player on the Continent while his club TP Mazembe emerged the Club of the Year. The Suppers Club of the Year went to South Africa Supporters Club. While the Fair Play award went to Al Haly.
Algeria appoint care-taker coach08/09
Special report: Struggles of Somali refugees08/09
Belgian-born coach Tom Saintfiet dismissed08/09
Namibia: Diamonds worth $2.63 mln stolen08/09
Malawi: Gov’t threatens trade unions08/09
"S. Leone can make it to 2012 AFCON"08/09
Niger wins $41 million in election support08/09
Nigeria: 800 escape in sect prison attack08/09