Senegal forward Sadio Mane has been named the 2019 African Player of the Year.

The Liverpool attacker defeated his club teammate Mohamed Salah and Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez to win his maiden individual award on the continent.

Mane enjoyed an outstanding campaign at club and international level last year, helping Senegal to the final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where they eventually lost to Algeria.

Last season, the talisman scored 22 goals to share the Premier League Golden Boot with Salah and Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He also played a key role in helping Liverpool win the Uefa Champions League, Super League and the Fifa Club World Cup last year, Goal.com reports.

Super Falcons captain Asisat Oshoala, however redeemed Nigeria’s image, winning the Women’s Player of The Year award for a record fourth time, equalling compatriot Perpetua Nkwocha’s record.

She overcame strong competition from Cameroon’s Ajara Nchout and South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana to win the award.

Oshoala had earlier claimed the award in 2014, 2016 and 2017, Punch reports.