COTE d’Ivoire international Didier Drogba is the latest case in point following his immense performance to help Chelsea record their first-ever Champions League triumph after a 4-3 win on penalties over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena last Saturday. We look back through the Champions League roll of honour to place the spotlight on five African players whose heroic contributions in the tournament resulted in the ultimate prize for their clubs

Benni McCarthy, South Africa and Porto

The current Orlando Pirates striker is one of the most decorated South Africans and he can boast of a Champions League medal as well.

In 2004, the 34-year-old helped Porto win the coveted trophy and his key contribution was in a particularly important encounter against Manchester United in the round of 16.

He scored two goals to overturn a first-leg deficit and aided his side’s progress to the final, where they beat Monaco 3-0 to hoist the cup. He is also Bafana Bafana’s all-time top scorer with 31 goals.

Abedi Pele, Ghana and Olympique Marseille

The “Maestro” was enormous at both club and international level during his illustrious playing career. He acquired the nickname Pele for his footballing skills, which were compared to the legendary Brazilian forward.

Abedi, whose two sons are playing in Ghana’s current Black Stars outfit, won the Champions League in 1993 with Marseille.

The 47-year-old supplied the assist to       teammate Basile Bolli to score the winning goal in the Munich final against AC Milan, who would go on to be crowned champions the following year.

Sammy Kuffour, Ghana and Bayern Minich

The defender is often described as “an African Champion” following a wonderful career with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

The 35-year-old was an integral part of the Bavarian side that won the 2001 Champions League title, often providing the solidity and assuredness in defence and contributing in attack with his marauding runs.

Prior to that glorious moment, the Ghanaian tasted defeat against Manchester United in the 1999 final after a heartbreaking, dramatic 2-1 loss. In total, he made over 60 Champions League appearances throughout his glittering career.