Marseille defender Chancel Mbemba wins Ligue 1’s African player of the year award

PARIS (AP) — Congolese stopper Chancel Mbemba was named the French league’s African participant of the yr on Tuesday, marking the primary time the award has gone to a defender.

The Marseille participant received the Marc-Vivien Foe prize forward of final yr’s winner, Ivory Coast midfielder Seko Fofana (Lens), and Nigeria striker Terem Moffi (Nice).

Born in Kinshasa within the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mbemba moved to Europe on the age of 17 to Belgian membership Anderlecht. He additionally performed for Newcastle and Porto earlier than becoming a member of Marseille final summer season, serving to the 1993 European champions safe a third-place end within the French league this season.

In addition to his defensive position, the 28-year-old Mbemba scored 5 objectives in 35 league video games this season.

More than 100 African gamers featured within the French league this season.

Players who’ve featured for an African nationwide group and performed in not less than 15 top-tier matches in France over the past season are eligible for the prize. The award is determined by a panel of journalists specializing in French and African soccer.

Foe, a two-time African champion, collapsed and died throughout a Confederations Cup semifinal sport in France in 2003 whereas taking part in for Cameroon.