Black Stars: No local player in Akonnor’s latest squad

Black Stars coach, Charles Kwablan Akonnor, has snubbed local players in his latest call-up as the national team regroup for Ghana’s upcoming assignments.

Akonnor’s side are preparing for a friendly game against Mali next month before playing their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Sudan in November

Ghana have not played in a competitive game since November 2019, and will play the Eagles of Mali on September 9 in Antalya, Turkey, as part of the team’s preparations for the AFCON qualifier.

The Ghanaians were scheduled to play Equatorial Guinea three days later, but the Central African team have pulled out of the game, citing new travel restrictions imposed in their country. Equatorial Guinea’s borders are closed and flights are suspended due to new COVID-19 rules.

Akonnor has handed debut call-ups to France-based Alexander Djiku of French side Strasbourg, Yakubu Mohammed of Azam FC (Tanzania), Benson Anang of MSK Zilina (Slovakia), Emmanuel Lomotey of Amiens (France) and youngster Kamal Deen who plays for Danish side Nordsjaelland.

Pyramid FC’s John Antwi makes a return to the team on the back of impressive performance in the Egyptian top flight.

Turkey-based Bernard Mensah also makes a return to the team for the first time in five years and will seek to impress Akonnor who is yet to play his first game since he was appointed new Coach of the Black Stars last February this year.

Ghana top Group F of the AFCON qualifiers with six points following victories against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in November 2019.

Squad list:
Goalkeepers: Richard Ofori (Maritzburg), Richard Ati Zigi (St. Gallen), Razak Abalora (Unattached)

Full Backs: Benson Anang (Zilina FC), Lumor Agbenyenu (Sporting Club), Yakubu Mohammed (Azam FC), Gideon Mensah (Vitoria de
Guimaraes)

Centre Backs: Alexander Djiku (Strasbourg), Joseph Aidoo (Celta de Vigo), Nicholas Opoku (Amiens), Kassim Nuhu (Hoffenheim)

Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid), Emmanuel Lomotey (Amiens), Bernard Mensah (Besiktas), Baba Iddrisu (RCD Mallorca)

Attackers/Wingers: Andre Ayew (Swansea), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace), John Antwi (Pyramids FC), Eugene Ansah (Hapoel
Shmona), Jefferey Schlupp (Crystal Palace), Samuel Owusu (Al Fayha FC), Kamal Deen (Nordsjaelland SC), Mohammed Kudus (Ajax
SC).

Source: graphic.com.gh