Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah believes Egypt and Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah deserves the 2017 African Player of the year award following his exploits for club and country.
The 25-year-old made the final three-man shortlist alongside Senegal's Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon.
“All the countries and the players Caf shortlisted have all done very well so whoever wins their respective awards deserves them,” Appiah told Class Sports.
“Although, it is sad that no Ghanaian could make the list, I think Mohammed Salah played very well last season and is doing well this season so he must win.
"He has assisted and scored many goals for the Egyptian national team and helped them to qualify for the 2018 Fifa World Cup for the first time in almost 30 years.
"He did well [with AS Roma last season] and is doing very well with Liverpool as well so if he wins the award, it will be nice. But at the end of the day, the other competitors also deserve some praise if they win,” he added.
Salah won the 2017 BBC player of the year and stands a chance of claiming a double at the Caf Awards Gala taking place on January 4, 2018 in Accra, Ghana.
The winner will succeed Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez.