Diouf voted Africa's best
The Kaizer Chiefs won the team of the year prize
Senegal striker El-Hadji Diouf has been voted player of the year by the African Football Confederation.
Kuffour from German champions Bayern Munich was disappointed after pre-ceremony comments that he would be a worthy recipient of the ultimate individual accolade for African footballers.
Diouf collected 93 votes to beat Ghana defender and favourite Samuel Kuffour, who came second with 66 votes.
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o received 34 to come third for the second consecutive year.
| Previous Winners |
|
2001 - El-Hadji Diouf
2000 - Patrick Mboma
1999 - Nwankwo Kanu
1998 - Mustapha Hadji
1997 - Victor Ikpeba
1996 - Nwankwo Kanu
1995 - George Weah |
No defender has topped the poll since its introduction 32 years ago, although goalkeepers Thomas 'Black Spider' N'Kono of Cameroon (twice) and Badou Zaki of Morocco were previous winners.
Coach of the Year was Senegal's France-born Bruno Metsu, while the Senegalese 'Lions' also took the National team of the Year award.
Hosts South Africa had cause for celebration with Kaizer Chiefs judged the Club of the Year.
Champions League Player of the Year category was won by Angolan striker Flavio Amado.