The Ghana Football Association has released a communique clarifying the absence of Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey and seven other players who failed to travel with the Black stars squad ahead of Ghana’s friendly game against Morocco on Tuesday night.
The Deputy skipper, Partey was reported to have been sacked from camp by coach CK Akonnor after turning up late for the training exercise.
However, GFA has now issued a statement explaining that ‘‘Thomas Partey will join Ghana’s squad for their second friendly fixture against Cote d’Ivoire, having been excused for Tuesday’s friendly tie with Morocco”
Updated information on Thomas Partey, Kamaldeen Suleyman, Tariqe Fosu-Henry and others ahead of our friendly matches against Morocco and Ivory Coast:
On Thomas Teye Partey
Thomas travelled to Cape Coast on Thursday to meet Coach Charles Akonnor over some personal issues. After the meeting which lasted for about an hour, the Coach excused him from the trip to Morocco – and asked him to report to camp for the second game against Ivory Coast. As the 1st Deputy Captain of the Black Stars, Thomas later joined his colleagues in training to show solidarity and support before leaving for Accra. The Arsenal midfielder will therefore team up with the rest of the squad on Thursday when the team returns from Morocco.
On Tariqe Fosu-Henry
Tariqe reported to camp Friday evening, after the sides training session in Cape Coast. Coach Akonnor engaged him briefly and told him that reporting late has scuppered his chances of travelling with the team to Morocco. The Brentford winger will also join the team on Thursday for the game against Ivory Coast.
Kamaldeen Suleyman, Kamal Sowah, Joseph Paintsil
The trio gave varied reasons that clearly confirm that they are not ready for the games. They therefore turned down the invitation.
Frank Acheampong
Frank is bereaved. He laid his late mother to eternal glory over the weekend and couldn’t make time to join the team for the matches. But the China based winger was at the Airport to see the team off as a sign of support.
Mubarak Wakaso
Wakaso couldn’t make the trip due to COVID-19 complications. He would be required to undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine upon his return from Accra – hence the decision to leave him out of the squad for now.
Richard Ofori
Groin injury. He sustained a groin injury during his club’s (Orlando Pirates) CAF Confederation Cup game against ES Setif in March this year. The lanky goalkeeper is now recovering from the setback.
Aside the aforementioned developments, the team has safely arrived in Rabat for Tuesday’s game against Morocco. Twenty five (25) players including captain Andre Ayew made the trip to the North African country.
The game is scheduled for 20:00GMT kick off at the FAR Sportive stadium in Rabat.