Dede can win CAF top award - Oti

Head of the Ghana FA technical directorate Francis Oti Akenten believes Andre Ayew stands a chance of winning the 2015 African Footballer of the Year.

The Swansea City star made the final three-man shortlist for the award to be announced on 07 January in Abuja.

His competitors are Manchester City and Ivory Coast star Yaya Toure and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund and Gabon.

The bookmakers have tipped Toure to defend his title but Akenten says Andre is also a leading contender.

“If you are playing for a club like Man City and I am playing for Swansea it becomes a bit more difficult that they will leave the Man City player and then pick somebody of that nature at that level,” he told Joy Sports.

"But that notwithstanding, things keep changing like football be it as dynamic as it is.

"It can also go in your favor even if you are playing in a small club. It works, once you’ve been shortlisted into the top three definitely it is going to work for him.

"Looking at this year and last year, I think Ayew has done a lot of work. Even scoring on his debut.

"He has done a lot of work that that could earn him the award."