Andre Ayew's hopes of winning the African player of the year award ends after he missed the final cut.

Ivory Coast duo Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba and Cameroonian midfielder Alexander Song are the contenders for the award after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the top three candidates on Wednesday.

The winner for the year under review will be announced at the 2012 Awards Gala on December 20 at the Banquet Hall, State House, Accra.

In addition to the above award, winners will be announced for the other categories.