2021 AfconQ: Akonnor trim squad as Wakaso & Boateng return for South Africa and Sao Tome games

C.K. Akonnor has dropped eight players from his initial squad that began training for the 2021 African Cup of Nations [Afcon] doubleheader qualifier against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe next month.

A total of 26 players, comprising two foreign-based players, are to report for training on Thursday, February 25, according to a list released by the Ghana Football Association today.

Notable amongst the list of players left out of the squad is Hearts of Oak defender Mohammed Alhassan.

Ebusua Dwarfs’ Benjamin Acquah and George Asamoah have also been left out of the team, while Techiman Eleven Wonders winger Ibrahim Salifu is also missing from the list to prepare for the encounter.

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Coach Akonnor has also left out all the three players he invited from the national division one league but has also included in his team China-based Emmanuel Boateng from Dalian Pro who is in the country on holidays, together with Mubarak Wakaso.

Ghana will be hosted by Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Johannesburg before playing the final group game against Sao Tome at the Cape Coast Stadium.

The Black Stars just need a point to seal a qualification for the tournament that will be hosted in Cameroon.

Below is the full list of players to begin camping:

• Goalkeepers: Joseph Addo (Aduana Stars), Razak Abalorah (Asante Kotoko), Eric Ofori Antwi (Medeama SC).
• Defenders: Ganiyu Ismail (Asante Kotoko), Yusif Mubarik (Asante Kotoko), Kwadwo Amoako (AshantiGold SC), Konadu Yiadom (WAFA), Ibrahim Moro (Asante Kotoko), Haruna Jamal Deen (Great Olympics), Christopher Nettey (Asante Kotoko), Dennis Korsah (Ebusua Dwarfs), Joseph Agyei (Legon Cities).
• Midfielders: Gladson Awako (Great Olympics), Justice Blay (Medeama SC), Michel Otou (Great Olympics), Yaw Annor (AshantiGold SC), Rashid Nortey (Medeama SC), Maxwell Abbey (Great Olympics), Augustine Boakye (WAFA), Salifu Moro (Bechem United), Mubarak Wakaso (Jiangsu Suning), Joseph Esso (Dreams FC).
• Forwards: Emmanuel Boateng (Dalian Pro), Kwame Peprah (King Faisal), Kwame Opoku (Asante Kotoko), Diawusie Taylor (Karela United).