Toure wins Africa´s best player of 2011

Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure has been awarded the 2011 African Player of the Year at a ceremony in Ghana’s capital, Accra, on Thursday.

The Manchester City player, who has had an impressive season, edged out Mali’s Seydou Keita and Andre Ayew of Ghana to clinch the coveted football award of the continent.

Keita, who plays for Spanish giants Barcelona, came second leaving the youngest contender Ayew of Marseille with the second runners-up spot.

Toure, during the year under review, helped City win the English FA Cup by scoring the final goal against Stoke City.

After leaving Barcelona, Toure has become one of the most valuable players at the club with his impeccable ball control, recovery and his intelligent reading of the game.

He was also one of the key players in Ivory Coast’s successful campaign in the qualifying rounds for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations with some goals to his credit.