An explanation on why the technical team of the Black Stars invited Kotoko goalie, Danlad Ibrahim has been provided by the team’s deputy manager Mas-Ud Didi Dramani.
The former U-20 goalkeeper was reportedly called to replace Richard Ofori who is out of the team after aggravating his hamstring injury while at training.
Another revelation made by the gaffer indicates Danlad was called to join the team due to the health status of Otto Addo’s first choice keeper, Jojo Wollacott after Ghana’s 3-0 victory over Madagascar.
However, no official report was made concerning the goalkeepers condition before their game against Central African Republic on Sunday.
A change from the team saw coach Otto Addo maintaining only three players that started against Madagascar as Wallocott was replaced by Lawrence Ati Zigi.
Jojo Wollacott, Manaf, Lawrence Ati Zigi are the preferred goalkeepers who made the trip to face Angola following Ofori’s injury.
Arguably, Danlad is the most consistent local goalkeeper to pull on a Black Stars jersey for preparations ahead of the World Cup 2022. The former U-20 goalkeeper always applies for a good job, commitment, and hard work on the pitch for the Reds, guiding them to clinch their 25th GPL title.
In an explanation to Ghanasportspage.com on why the young goalkeeper was given a late call-up, Coach Didi noted, “Yes, because Wallacott was sick, Baba Rahman, Dennis Odoi, Baba Iddrisu, and others were indisposed and we played to manage players load since many had just finished their respective leagues and on a larger note to keep the team-building process yet taking care of their welfare”, he told Ghanasportspage.com.
“There is nothing to speak about complacency at elite football. There are absolutely m factors that can always affect performance and results and these were one such moment in my thoughts. I think numbers are needed in this era of Covid menace, Didi explained.
It is perhaps no surprise that the 19-year-old goal-stopper will make his debut in the upcoming four-nation Tournament in Japan that includes Ghana, Chile, Tunisia, and Japan slated for June 10th to June 14th.
Ghana remained undefeated in Group E of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after a 1-1 draw with the Central African Republic on Sunday, 5 June 2022.
