Four out of the initial 23 Black Stars players invited for the international friendly matches against Mali and Qatar have been ruled out the games for situational reasons, the GFA has confirmed.
Ghana’s safest pair of hands Richard Ofori, who plays for South African Premier League (PSL) side Maritzburg United will miss the matches after failing to secure visa for the trip to Antalya, Turkey. The former Wa All Stars (now Legon Cities FC) goalkeeper has his work permit expired, and renewing it requires a minimum of two weeks, a reason for his absence.
The absence of Richard Ofori leaves coach CK Akonnor with only two goalkeepers at his disposal for the two games against Mali and Qatar; Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Razak Abalora.
Egyptian side Pyramid’s FC top marksman John Antwi will also miss the trip to Turkey following difficulties to secure a visa to travel to Antalya. Antwi’s situation is same as Richard Ofori’s. The former Sekondi Eleven Wise, Dreams FC man’s work permit has expired and would need at least two weeks to renew, making it impossible for him to make his dream Black Stars debut in the coming friendlies.
Sporting Lisbon left back Lumor Agbenyenu also failed to apply for visa due to work permit difficulties and will as well miss the games.
On the other hand, Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Mohammed Kudus is also “a doubt for the games” according to the FA, but the nation’s football governing body insists the former Right to Dream Academy star reports in the team’s camp in Antalya, Turkey for further assessments.
Meanwhile, Coach C.K Akonnor has handed late call ups to Turkey based duo, Caleb Ekuban (Trabzonspor) and Joseph Paintsil (Ankaragucu) to fill the void left by the absentees. Ekuban has been invited to replace John Antwi, while, Paintsil replaces Lumor Agbenyenu
