US-based defender Harrison Afful has beaten Black Stars teammates Andre Ayew and Asamoah Gyan to be named the 2014 Sports Writers Association of Ghana Footballer of the Year.

The Columbus Crew right-back was not present at the ceremony which was held at the State Banquet Hall in Accra, which was the 40th edition of the awards.

The former Esperance player is said to have beaten his competitors after an impressive performance at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

He was adjudged the Most Valuable Player in Ghana’s second group game against Germany which was widely regarded as one of the best games of the tournament.

Afful is best remembered in that game for his flawless assist to Andre Ayew which fetched Ghana’s equalizer in the thrilling game that eventually ended 2-2.

The 29-year-old also won the Tunisian league with Esperance in the year under review.