African football's governing body, Caf, have announced their three nominations for African Player of the Year.

The nominees

El Hadji Diouf - Senegal (Liverpool) Pape Bouba Diop - Senegal (Lens) Mido - Egypt (Ajax)

Senegal duo El Hadji Diouf and Pape Bouba Diop, together with Egypt striker Mido, are through to the last stage.

Diouf is the hot favourite to take the award, thanks mostly to his great showing in Senegal's excellent World Cup campaign.

Were he to take it, he would be only the second player in the history of the trophy to win it back-to-back.

Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele was the first, in 1991 and 1992.

Diouf will have to defend his prestigious title against his fellow countryman Pape Bouba Diop, who was recently named the best player in Senegal, as he appears to be more popular at their homeland.

Mido has made the final cut

The third contender is the rebellious Egyptian star, Ahmed Hossam - "Mido".

The 19-year old Pharaoh has the best record this season, leading his Dutch club, Ajax, to the double and the Super Cup and has become one of the hottest names on the European market.

As expected, the list of the finalists was dominated after their incredible performance in the last World Cup.

A ballot of Caf's technical and press committees will be held to decide the winner.

The name of the African best player will be revealed in a ceremony expected to be held in South Africa on the 31 March.