Ghana’s Thomas Partey is amongst a shortlist of five who will be vying for this year’s BBC Africa Player of the Year award.

The 25-year-old who plays for Spanish giants Athletic Madrid is being recognized for his impressive exploits for both club and country with the nomination.

Partey however faces stiff competition for the award with Liverpool duo Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane also nominated.

Also in the five-man shortlist is Mehdi Bentia of Juventus and Napoli’s Kalilou Koulibaly.

Salah won the coveted award voted for by the fans in the last edition in 2017.

Partey will be hoping to be the sixth Ghanaian to win the award to join a prestigious group which include Abedi Pele, Samuel Osei Kuffour, Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew.