Accra, Dec 15 (IANS): Ghana deputy captain Andre Dede Ayew, Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Cote d'Ivoire's Yaya Toure have been named the top three contenders for the 2015 African Footballer of the Year award.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the three-man shortlist of nominees for the award on Monday. While Ayew plays for English Premier League (EPL) club Swansea City), Aubameyang and Toure turn out for Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City respectively, reports Xinhua.

The winner will be decided by votes from head coaches or technical directors of the national associations affiliated to CAF. For the African Player of the Year -- based in Africa -- the top three finalists are Baghdad Boundjah (Algeria/Etoile du Sahel), Mbwana Aly Samata (Tanzania/TP Mazembe) and Robert Kidiaba (DR Congo/TP Mazembe).

The winners will be announced at the Glo-CAF Awards Gala scheduled for January 7, 2016 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The annual event aims to encourage and enhance the performances of sportspersons to maintain the high standard and quality of football administration and management in Africa.