Ahead of the CHAN second-leg qualifier against Burkina Faso, the technical team of the Black Stars “B” have been hit hard by the absence of defender Awal Mohammed.

The experienced center back who has been an integral member of the team since they began preparations has been sidelined due to sickness.

The towering defender missed Thursday’s training session in what is expected to be a bout of malaria. The inclusion of teammate Ahmed Adams and Hearts Vincent Atinga will ease an area coach Maxwell Konadu admitted needed strengthening after the first leg.

Elsewhere, WAFA’s Daniel Lomotey has been given a late call-up to augment the offensive setup of the team.

Lomotey has been in red hot form for the academy aiding their cause with 7 goals and 3 assists in the league which has seen them as serious contenders for the title.

He will join Saddick Adams and Elmina Sharks Felix Addo as the strikers in the team.