LUSAKA, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- The head of Zambia's soccer governing body on Friday congratulated national team striker Patson Daka for winning the 2017 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Young Player of the Year award.

Daka, who was instrumental in the Under-20's exploits last year which won the Africa Cup of Nations title as well as reaching the quarter finals of the World Cup, was crowned winner of the award on Thursday night, beating competition from Krepin Diatta of Senegal and Salam Giddou of Mali.

Andrew Kamanga, the president of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), said the soccer governing body was happy with the player's achievement both at domestic and international levels.

"You have thus far been a great ambassador and role model for the Zambian game and the entire nation," he said.

He however warned the striker, who plays for Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, to be mindful with the fame that comes with great responsibilities.

Daka becomes the second Zambian player to win the award after Clifford Mulenga in 2007. Enditem