Ahead of Ghana's pursuit for the only Zone III spot for the 2008 All-African Games competition, some European clubs have blocked the release of players to represent the nation in the final qualifying tie against Nigeria.
Italy’s Udinese, Genclerbirligi of Turkey and Dutch side, Heracles Almelo have all turned down the Olympics team’s request for Asamoah Gyan, Haminu Dramani and Emmanuel Boakye to feature for Ghana on Sunday.
Ghana had included the three players in the list of invited players while it sought CAF’s clarification on the eligibility of foreign players for the qualifiers, which the sport body responded in the affirmative.
However, the clubs say since the All-African Games qualifier is not recognised on FIFA’s list of competitions, they would be unwilling to release the players for the weekend’s match.
Asamoah Gyan, Haminu Dramani and Emmanuel Boakye were named in Ghana’s 22-man squad to face Nigeria in a crucial All-Africa Games final round qualifier.
Though the trio would be unavailable for the game as it stands now, the rest of the team would move to the national camp on Monday, February 19, at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram for preparations towards the game.
Team coach, Cecil Jones Attuquayefio and his backroom staff would be revising their plans as they get down to work ahead of the final game.
Ghana play host to Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles in the first leg final round qualifier slated for February 25 at the Sunyani Coronation Park.
Algeria are host of the All-African Games in 2008. Ghana won bronze at the last competition.
Goalkeepers: Eric Nii Baah (Asante Kotoko), Kotei Blankson (Liberty Professionals), Ernest Sowah (Tema Youth FC)
Defenders: Kennedy Korlie (Liberty Professionals), Alfred Arthur (AshantiGold), Bawa Mumuni (Liberty Professionals), Isaac Vorsah (Asante Kotoko), Michael Akuffo (Fetteh Feyenoord), Sampson Cudjoe (Tudu Mighty Jets)
Midfielders: James Boadu (Berekum Arsenal), Obed Ansah (Heart of Lions), Emmanuel Allen (Liberty Professionals), Mohammed Tuaha Khamix (Liberty Professionals), Gilbert Ayikade (Real Tamale United), Bernard Kumordzi (Egaleo FC, Greece), Jonathan Quartey (AshantiGold)
Attackers: Sadat Bukari (Heart of Lions), Emmanuel Clottey (Great Olympics), Samuel Yeboah (Hapoel Kfar Saba, Israel)