The technical handlers of the Black Stars have excuses Asante Kotoko’s contingent from the first week of the team’s training to afford them ample time to prepare for their Confederation Cup tie in Algeria.
Head coach of the Black Stars CK Akonnor on Saturday, February 13, invited a squad of 32 home based players to begin preparations for the 2021 Cup of Nations qualifying ties against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe. The squad include six players CAF Confederation Cup campaigners Asante Kotoko. Asante Kotoko players such as goalkeeper Razak Abalora, Yussif Mubarik, Ganiyu Ismail, Christopher Nettey, Ibrahim Moro, and Kwame Opoku were all called up for national duty.
However, the Porcupine Warriors will travel to Setif this week for their CAF Confederation Cup 2nd leg final eliminator against Entente Setif on Sunday. The match is such a crucial game for the Ghanaian giants who seek miracle and obvious upset against their Algerian counterpart to book a ticket into the group stage of the competition.
Asante Kotoko failed the E.S Setif test at their own backyard at the Accra sports stadium, when the visitors came from behind to win the match by 2-1 during the first leg encounter.
The six Asante Kotoko players who were invited, including goalkeeper’s trainer Issah Najawu and Masseur, S.K Ankomah have also been excused.
