By Patrick Akoto
Ex-Ghana international Ibrahim Sunday believes Asamoah Gyan is best placed among his compatriots to win the 2011 Caf Footballer of the Year accolade.
The 25-year-old was shortlisted for the individual award to be staged in Ghana alongside compatriots Andre Ayew and Kevin Prince Boateng.
Ghanaian fans have a strong feeling that the Al Ain striker could inch the award after excelling for Ghana at the biggest stage of world football.
He was instrumental for the Black as they reached the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals with a perfect record and remembered for a stupendous equalizer against England in an international friendly in March.
Gyan hold the aces to win the award after he narrowly lost out to Cameroonian Samuel Eto Fils last year.
"I think I will give it to Gyan, followed by Dede and Kevin in the Ghanaian perspective. But seriously I believe Gyan has done well and deserve to win the award," the 1971 winner said.
"The other nominees have also done well, but in my estimation, the young Ghanaian has made a massive impact on the continent and should be awarded for his effort.
"Even though some of the other nominees will give him a good run for his money, I believe 2011 has been the year for Gyan."
The Ghanaian trio will face tough challenge from four-time winner Samuel Eto'o from Cameroon and Chelsea's Ivorian trio of Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Gervinho.
Also named in the shortlist are Moroccan Adel Tarrabt, Moussa Sow of Senegal and Mali’s Seydou Keita.