Coach of the Black Stars, Chris Hughton will not be selecting some key players when the Black stars take on the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on September 7th, 2023.
The game would decide Ghana’s participation in the African Cup of Nations at Cote d’ Ivoire next year.
Chris Hughton, announced a 25-man squad for the double header of games; Central African Republic and a friendly with Liberia. Coach Hughton and the technical team will be hoping to capitalize on the home advantage and pass the CAR hurdle in the quest to qualify for the 2024 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite the injury concerns.
According to the team doctor of the Black Stars, deputy captain of the national team, Thomas Partey is believed to have sustained a groin injury which rules him out of the clash. Kalmadeen Sulemana has also been excluded from the squad due to an ongoing muscle injury he sustained last season. The Southampton winger has not featured in any game this season for the Saints.
Ghanaian defender, Daniel Amartey, who just made a club switch from Leicester City to Besiktas in Turkey, has also recently sustained a hamstring injury which makes him unavailable for the senior team.
Meanwhile, star defender, Mohammed Salisu is believed to be undergoing rehabilitation after a long standing injury. Despite completing a big move to AS Monaco, he is yet to feature for the French giant club.
Majeed Ashimeru has also faced an injury setback which rules him out of the qualifiers. The nature of the injury remains unclear. He has also not trained with Anderlecht since the injury on July 28.
Ghanaian goalkeeper, Joseph Wolacott has once again sustained a thigh injury after missing out on the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
On the other hand, there have been several backlashes about the naming of the Black Stars captain, Andre Ayew in the blacks stars squad.
Prior to the call up, the chairman of the Black Stars management committee and the Vice president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mark Addo shared his thoughts on the importance of the player in the black stars squad.
“Andre Ayew is a phenomenal leader. He fights and leaves everything on the pitch. He’s a key part of the team, he is the captain and the leader, so we will support whatever decision the technical team will take on him.”
Andre Ayew has not been attached to any club since the conclusion of the 2022/23 English Premier League (EPL) season after his release from Nottingham Forest.
He has been very pivotal to the national team, earning 114 caps and scoring more than 24 goals for the senior team.
Angola’s team are vying to book their tickets for the tournament as well, with 8 points in second position, a slip up for the Black Stars against Madagascar could see the hopes of making it to January’s showpiece dwindle.
The players are set to report to Ghana on Monday for preparations ahead of their games.
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Story by : Asack Pius | univers.ug.edu.gh
