Harrison Afful makes Ghana return after two-year absence to face Sudan

MLS side Columbus Crew defender Harrison Afful has returned to the Black Stars team for the first time in two-years after being handed a call up by coach CK Akonnor for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan next month.

Afful, 34, is returning to the team for the first time since he featured for the Black Stars in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia on November 18, 2018.

The former ES Sportive left back was called into the squad that recorded victories over South Africa and São Tomé and Príncipe in Ghana’s first two AFCON qualifiers in November last year, but missed the two matches due to a late hour injury.

In his absence, Black Stars coach Charles ‘CK’ Akonnor made do with Brentford defender Tariqe Fosu, who played satisfactorily well in the two friendlies against Mali and Qatar. However, Akonnor will go for the tried and tested against the Sudanese outfits in what will be his maiden competitive assignment as coach of the senior national team.

The Black Stars will host Sudan at the Cape Coast Stadium on November 12 before flying to Khartoum for the reverse fixture on Tuesday November 17. Akonnor looks forward to maintaining Ghana’s 100% record in the qualifying matches as he looks forward to beating the Falcons in two legged fixtures.