Zambia’s Christopher Katongo has been named the 2012 BBC African footballer of the year.

The 30-year-old Zambia captain beat off competition from Demba Ba, Didier Drogba, Younes Belhanda and Yaya Toure to become the first winner from southern Africa in the history of the award.

The shortlist for the award was drawn up by football experts from every country in Africa, who based their choices on players’ skill, technical ability, teamwork, consistency and fair play.

While all the players on the shortlist have enjoyed a superb year, with four of the players picking up silverware, it is Katongo whose performances and achievements have been considered by African football fans to be the greatest.

Ex- Nigerian international Jay-Jay Okocha remains the only player that has won the award back to back in 2003 and 2004 while playing for Bolton in the English premier league.