Veteran Ghanaian coach makes bold claim about latest Black Stars squad
13th March 2019
Veteran Ghanaian coach Joseph Emmanuel 'JE' Sarpong has made a bold claim about Ghana’s 24-man squad for the final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya, scheduled for Accra Sports Stadium on March 23.
Coach Kwesi Appiah handed call ups to some debutants as he seeks to asses some new talents with Ghana already qualified for the tournament billed for Egypt mid year.
In-form Crystal Palace star Jeffrey Schlupp and Sassuolo midfielder Alfred Duncan have also been recalled to the national fold after some time in the wilderness.
Meanwhile Captain Asamoah Gyan is a conspicuous absentee from the list along with Columbus Crew duo Harrison Afful and Jonathan Mensah, Empoli man Afriyie Acquah.
China-based Frank Acheampong and Reims left-back Baba Rahman, who is back to full fitness with his new French club, were ignored.
Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey and Nantes striker Abdul Majeed Waris are also out as they continue recovery from injuries.
According to the former Ebusua Dwarfs coach Sarpong, 80 percent of the players invited for the AFCON 2019 qualifier against Kenya next week won't make the squad for the Cup of Nations in Egypt in June.
"This Black Stars squad is just a dress rehearsal for the AFCON. I believe 80% of the team will be going to AFCON so let’s just support him," coach Sarpong told Happy FM.