Ashanti Gold manager Charles Akunnor says Thomas Teye Partey and Christian Atsu failed to make the 2017 Caf African Player of the Year shortlist because of the Black Stars’ inability to qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia.
The duo were part of the initial 30-man list released in November but couldn't make the final list composed of Egypt and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, Senegal captain Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon.
“We just have to improve our football in the country if we want to make meaningful impact," Akunnor told The Finder.
“If Ghana had qualified to the 2018 World Cup which takes place next year, probably one of the players could have been part of the final three names that were shortlisted.
“But we are now behind and our players have to work hard to get there in the future,” he added.
The Awards Gala will be held on January 4 in Accra, Ghana and the winner of the flagship gong will succeed Algerian and Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez.