Wigan Athletic striker Zaki and Ahli playmaker Abou-Treika were in the hunt for the prestigious accolade.

Egypt coach Shehata chose Abou-Treika as Africa's best player but Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor was the eventual winner.

"I did not take into account the difference between the Premiership and the Egyptian League," Shehata said in an interview with Modern Sport on Thursday.

"I had other factors that contributed to my vote for Abou-Treika.

"I considered the achievements both players had with their respective clubs and with the national team."

Transparency

Shehata also believes Confederation of African Football (CAF) were right to reveal the votes of all African national teams' coaches.

"For CAF, transparency was very important to avoid any talks of favoritism."

Despite that, many Egyptian critics hit out at CAF, claiming that their choices were biased.

"I do not think that CAF were biased because all votes were announced," Shehata, who led Egypt to back-to-back Nations Cup titles, added.