Ex-Ghana defender Sammy Kuffuor believes Swansea City wobbles in the Premier League affected Andre Ayew's chances of being crowned Africa's best player in 2015.

The Ghana international placed third after Gabonese and Borussia Dortmund star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scooped the top individual award in Abuja last Thursday.

The decision has sparked widespread controversy with several leading football figures criticizing his choice as a slap in the face of African football.

But former Bayern Munich defender Sammy Kuffuor believes Swansea's troubles in the English top-flight clouded Ayew's fine individual performance.

"You Andre is like my son. He did very well in the year but Swansea's recent performances affected his chances," he told Accra-based Peace FM

"You know when your team is not doing well, naturally it reduces your proficiency.

"If your winning, your performances go up and if things are not working it drops.

"Honestly Swansea form derailed him big time.

"But he is young and has the future ahead of him. The future belongs to him. He needs to concentrate and keep working hard."