Ghana's Michael Essien has been included on the shortlist for the Caf Player of the Year award.

Essien, who is line for the award joins four other African Stars in the shortlist of five.

Triple award winner, Samuel Eto Fils, former winner Didier Drogba, Seidou Keita and Yaya Toure are all on the list for the 2009 award.

The prestigious CAF awards will be held in the Senegalese capital, Dakar in February.

The winner will be voted for by the coaches and captains of CAF's 52 federations and announced at the awards gala in February.

Nominees:

Didier Drogba Michael Essien Samuel Eto Fils Seidu Keita Yaya Toure