Solomon Asante makes CAF shortlist

Ghana winger Solomon Asante has earned a nomination in the initial shortlist for the CAF African Player of the Year award (Based in Africa) released on Friday.

The 24-year-old has been named alongside 19 other leading players doing action on the continent for their exceptional display in the season under review.

Asante, who plays for DR Congo giants TP Mazembe is only the second Ghanaian to have made the shortlist – following that of Emmanuel Clottey two seasons ago – ever since this category was instituted in 2005.

The former Berekum Chelsea playmaker is being recognized for his exploits for both club and country over the past year.

Asante featured prominently for TP Mazembe in their CAF Champions League campaign which ended at the semi final stage.

He also played a role – albeit minimal – in Ghana’s successful qualification for the 2014 World Cup. The diminutive winger was highly impressive when he started for the Black Stars in the 3-1 win over Guinea in last month’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

His sterling performance in Tamale appears to have won him a permanent starting place for Ghana. Asante will however be contesting the award against some of the elite African players who ply their trade on the continent.

These player include deceased Orlando Pirates and South Africa goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa.

The winner of this category will be decided by votes from the head coaches/technical directors of the national associations affiliated to CAF.

The award will be handed out to the deserving candidate at an award’s gala scheduled to take place on January 8 in Lagos, Nigeria.