Liverpool star Sadio Mane and Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have both missed out on a place in the CAF best XI, which was released during the CAF awards on Thursday night.

Though the duo were on the three man shortlist for the African Player of the Year award, which was won by Liverpool and Egypt's Mohamed Salah, they were not considered good enough to be among the continents finest XI.

The Africa XI this year includes four Moroccans, three Tunisians with Junior Ajayi and Aymen Mathlouthi also winning places in the side.

CAF BEST XI

Goalkeeper: Aymen Mathlouthi (Tunisia & Etoile Sportive du Sahel)

Defenders:Ahmed Fathi (Egypt & Al Ahly), Ali Maaloul (Tunisia & Al Ahly), Eric Baily (Cote d'Ivoire & Manchester United)

Midfielders: Junior Ajayi (Nigeria and Al Ahly), Achraf Bencharki (Morocco & Wydad Athletic Club),

Mohamed Ounnajem (Morocco & Wydad Athletic Club), Karim El Ahmadi (Morocco & Feyenoord)

Forwards: Tahayassin Kheniessi (Tunisia and Esperance), Khalid Boutalib (Morocco & Yeni Malatyaspor), Mohamed Salah (Egypt and Liverpool)