Maxwell Konadu - Local Black Stars coachGetty Images

Konadu tips Ghana to bounce back following 2017 Caf Awards nominations disappointment

Ghana assistant coach Maxwell Konadu wants the nation to be among the leading contenders when nominees for the 2018 Caf Awards Gala are unveiled following a poor presence in the upcoming event.

Hosts of the January 4 gathering in Accra, Ghana will be represented in only one category following the announcement of the final list of nominees on Monday.

Ghana had two candidates in the running for awards but the number eventually reduced to one as the female U-20 side remain the surviving contenders.

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“It is quite disappointing but some years back, we were dominating," Konadu told Ghana Web.

“Now that the pendulum has shifted, we have to man up and bounce back come next year.

“We have a lot of youngsters that are currently doing really well, but like I said, they are young so they have to make sure they put in the work to enable them gain nominations.

“I believe Ghana will soon bounce back."

The female's under-20 side have been shortlisted for the Women's National Team of The Year prize, alongside Nigeria's U-20 and South Africa's senior side.

Ghana U-17 captain Eric Ayiah failed to make the final cut for the Youth Player of The Year award.

Atletico Madrid ace Thomas Teye Partey and Newcastle star Christian Atsu made the initial 30-man roster for the Player of The Year accolade, but the duo fell off early when the list was whittled down to 10.

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