Ghana's Michael Essien missed the chance to win the 2007 African Footballer of the Year award as Mali striker wins the prize.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the winner at Friday's awards ceremony in Lome, the capital of Togo.

The Sevilla forward is the first European-born player to win the award after beating off competition from Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba and Michael Essien of Ghana.

Kanoute was nominated for his role in helping Mali qualify for this year's African Nations Cup finals and triumphs last season with Spanish club Sevilla in the UEFA and King's Cups.

The African Footballer of the Year award is voted for by the national coaches of the 53 CAF associations.

Ghana has enjoyed success at the pestigious awards after former stars, Ibrahim Sunday won it 1971 before Abdul Razak picked up the same prize seven years later in 1998.

Then in recent times, Abedi Ayew Pele won the award on three successive occassions in 1991,1992 and 1993.