Salah equals Okocha’s BBC Footballer of the Year feat

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been named the BBC’s African Footballer of the Year for the second successive year.

The 26-year-old becomes the first player to win in consecutive seasons since ex-Bolton and Nigeria midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha in 2003 and 2004.

More than 650,000 fans took part in the vote and Salah beat Medhi Benatia, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sadio Mane and Thomas Partey to the award.

The Premier League’s player of the year scored 44 goals in 52 games for Liverpool last season.

He told the BBC: “It’s a great feeling. I would like to win it also next year.”

Salah was impressive for both club and country.

As well as helping Liverpool reach the Champions League final, Salah scored twice for Egypt at this year’s World Cup.

“There have been many good moments in 2018,” he added.

“The game against Roma at Anfield [Champions League semi-final first leg] was unbelievable. I’m scoring goals and helping the team to get the points to be top of the league. That’s always a great feeling.”

Salah said his aim for 2019 is ‘to win something with the club so everyone is excited’.

“I try to push myself every day to help the team win something,” he added.