Soccer-Kanoute wins African Footballer of the Year award

LOME, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Mali striker Frederic Kanoute won the 2007 African Footballer of the Year award on Friday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced.

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. (Editing by Ken Ferris)