Former Ghana captain C.K Akunnor says Andre Ayew’s omission from the five-man shortlist for the African Footballer of the Year award is not surprising to him.

Caf picked Algerians Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani, Senegalese Sadio Mane, Egyptian Mohamed Salah and reigning African king Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon.

“I’m not really surprised about Ayew missing out from the last five nominees," Akunnor told Class FM.

“This [award] is for last year and not this year. He has joined West Ham United but he is having a lot of problems due to injuries.

"He has a lot of things to think about and he will move on from here," he added.

Akunnor further insisted that Ayew will not be affected by the situation since he is mentally strong.

“I don’t think this snub will affect him. He has the mental toughness to go through this and beyond,” he said.

The winner will be determined by votes from head coaches and technical directors of the 54 national associations affiliated with Caf, as well as a selected panel of experts.

The 2016 Awards Gala will be held in Abuja, Nigeria on January 5 next year.

Ayew has been nominated for the BBC Africa Player of the Year.