Four-time African footballer of the year, Yaya Toure, has expressed disappointment after losing the 2015 edition of the CAF award to Borrusia Dortmund and Gabon striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The 32-year-old midfielder lost narrowly to the 26-year old Arsenal target; after he polled 136 points, seven behind Aubameyang who polled 143 points, while Ayew finished a distant third with 112 points.
Yaya, who helped Ivory Coast to their 2nd Afcon title last year at Equitorial Guinea won the prestigious individual accolade in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
But free-scoring Gabon and Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tallied 143 points to upset Yaya in a vote done by coaches or technical directors of CAF member-nations.
“I am disappointed but that won’t take anything from anybody. I am sure Andre (Ayew) is also disappointed after what he did last year,” said the Elephants captain.
“This is not the time to complain. We will all go back and continue to work hard.”
Livewire striker Aubameyang had been strongly tipped to clinch this year’s prize after scoring 18 goals in 17 Bundesliga games and 27 in all competitions this season.
The 26-year-old Gabon skipper said he was delighted to win the award for the first time while praising the abundant talent in his native country.
“We have good players and a good national team in Gabon,” declared Aubameyang after he was named the best African player for the past year and dedicated it to his country.
Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o Fils has also won the award four times, while Nigeria’s Nwankwo Kanu, El Hadj Diouf of Senegal and Yaya’s compatriot Didier Drogba have scooped it twice each.
