Wigan striker Zaki and his Egypt colleague Mohamed Aboutrika (Al Ahly of Cairo) head a five-man shortlist for the gong.

The other three players in contention are Drogba from Ivory Coast, Ghana's Essien (both Chelsea) and Adebayor of Togo and Arsenal.

Zaki and Aboutrika, who is the only player on the shortlist plying his club trade within the African continent, were both key elements as Egypt defended their African Nations Cup title earlier this year.

Their performances in Ghana as well as the Pharaohs' excellent form in 2008 is largely responsible for the pair being named and they will be keen to end a 25-year drought for the award, last won by an Egyptian, Mahmoud Al-Khatib, in 1983.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the Globacom Limited - sponsors of the annual award - headquarters, Confederation of African Football communications director Suleiman Habuba said: "To have a nominee this time who plays in the African league is an impetus to the support of Globacom for national football leagues in Africa.

"We are happy that their contribution has already started to yield dividends and we look forward to the day one of such players will win the crown."

CAF decided for the first time this year to hold two Player of the Year awards, the overall one as well as one for players based within the continent.

This list is also headed by Egyptians, with midfielder Aboutrika again nominated, alongside club and country team-mate Ahmed Hassan, Flavio Amado of Angola, Tresor Mputu Mabi from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigerian Stephen Worgu.

Coaches of the 53 international associations affiliated to CAF will cast their final vote to select the winners in all the categories which will be revealed in December.

Mali's Fredi Kanoute is the reigning champion after picking up the award at the last Glo-CAF Awards ceremony in Lome, Togo earlier this year.