234SPORTS: YAYA TOURE BECOMES AFRICAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2012

Côte d'Ivoire midfielder Yaya Toure has been named the 2012 CAF African Player of the Year for the second year in succession, the Confederation of African Football has announced.
The Manchester City player beat fellow Ivorian and former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba  into second with Cameroonian Alex Song, of Barcelona, in third.
Touré played a pivotal role for both club and country, helping Ivory Coast to the African Nations Cup final in February and then playing a big part in taking Manchester City to the Premier league title in a dramatic season finale.

"Touré's immense contribution in helping Manchester City win their first domestic championship in 44 years  saw him pick up Africa's most prestigious individual awardHe joined Senegalese forward El-Hadji Diouf, formerly of Liverpool and Bolton, on two victories although he has some way to go to eclipse Cameroonian ex-Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o who has won four titles.
The Côte d'Ivoire player was crowned at an awards gala in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on Thursday evening after being voted for by the head coaches or technical directors of the national associations affiliated to the CAF.
The giant midfielder appeared to tear up as his name was called at the ceremony in Ghana's capital.
"I have a lot of emotion," he said after climbing the stage to accept the award. "I think this night is so special for me."

When asked about the forthcoming CAF African Cup of Nations, Toure was diplomatic.

He said: "I think this year is going to be tough. I think there's going to be a fight to be at the top," he said after accepting the award.

Toure's second CAF honour came on a night when Drogba, the former Chelsea star now playing for Shanghai Shenhua, was in line for his third win.
Drogba was seeking to take a step closer to Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o's record four trophies but described his fellow Ivorian as a deserving winner who has played with impressive "consistency over the last two years."
"Being in competition against Yaya and Alex was for me very difficult," said the striker. "For me, I don't mind if Yaya wins. I'm very proud."
Song, a 25-year-old  midfielder, was nominated for the first time this year, after a good season for Arsenal before his transfer to Barcelona.
African Nations Cup winners Zambia were named team of the year with their coach Herve Renard named coach of the year.