Mane, Salah And Mendy To Battle For Africa Footballer Of The Year Award

The trio had an outstanding season for club and country, and have now been recognised for their efforts.

The last time the awards were held in 2019, Mane, then playing for Liverpool, took home the enviable gong.

Since then, the awards have taken a three-year hiatus largely because of the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Mane will be the favourite to take home the award this time as well after helping Senegal win their first ever Africa Cup of Nations trophy in February.

The 30-year-old scored the winning penalty as the Teranga Lions defeated Egypt in the final in Cameroon before eliminating the Pharoas again in the final round of qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar the following month.

Mane also helped Liverpool win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this year although the Reds missed out on Champions League glory to Real Madrid.

Mane scored 23 goals in 51 games for Liverpool last season but has since joined German champions Bayern Munich.

Just like Mane, Salah won two domestic cups for Liverpool last season but missed out on the Champions League, Africa Cup and a place at Qatar 2022 with Egypt.

However, the former AS Roma forward scored 31 goals in 51 games and was awarded the PFA player of the year in England for his efforts.

Mendy helped Chelsea win the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup last season but missed out on two domestic trophies to Liverpool.

He kept 22 clean sheets in 49 games for Chelsea and helped Senegal win AFCON 2021 and qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.

The winner of the award will be announced in Morocco on Thursday.