Ghanaian journalist, Chief Seidu Adamu, has stated that the current Black Stars coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has a big selection headache ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe this month.
Akonnor might not be able to call most of the foreign-based players due to the COVID-19 restrictions present in their clubs. The likes of Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey among others will be forced to self-isolate on their return to their clubs if they play against South Africa.
In an interview on the Joy Sports Link on Saturday, Adamu highlighted the difficulty Akonnor will face as a result of the COVID-19 situation.
“It is going to be difficult for CK Akonnor at the moment especially when we are set to play a team like South Africa. They pose a lot of challenges to us because they also need to win that game to secure points for qualification,” he told Nathaniel Attoh.
“CK is a man with the biggest headache at this time of the year. I am still struggling to know the kind of team he will put up against South Africa and Sao Tome especially in the case where the players from England and Spain might not come. He would have to rely on about 90% of the local-based squad,” he added.
He also went on to select his preferred XI if the coach is forced to field only locally-based players.
“Razak Abalora has national team experience so he should be in goal. In defense, I would go for the two center backs of Kotoko; Ganiyu and Mubarik. On the flank, I would like to see Dennis Korsah of Ebusua Dwarfs who has had a fantastic season.
He has scored three goals in 17 games. He is the perfect fit for left-back. On the right, my preferred choice was not selected and his name is Michael Ampadu of Legon Cities. Beyond him I will choose Philip Sackey of Great Olympics,” he stated.
“In midfield, Justice Blay can take the holding role, especially against South Africa. Mubarak Wakaso would also offer a shield to our back four. Gladson Awako would also be part of our team.
Emmanuel Boateng should be part of that team (upfront) if no foreign players arrive. Yaw Annor doesn’t offer much defensive cover so I would rather place David Abagna Sandan on the right-wing [and maintain Esso on the left],” he concluded.
Ghana will face South Africa on 25th March and will host Sao Tome and Principe in the final qualification game on 28th March.
Latest Stories
-
‘I look forward to working closely with President-elect Faye to enhance Ghanaian-Senegalese relations’ – Akufo-Addo
39 mins -
Girl, 8, only survivor as 45 killed in bus crash in South Africa
1 hour -
Biden to host star-studded NYC fundraiser with Obama and Clinton
1 hour -
GDNR, AAU and others launch Universal Acceptance for local languages in internet domain names
2 hours -
Ogum and Kotoko’s March malaise
3 hours -
2 repair vessels dispatched for undersea cable repairs – says NCA’s latest update
4 hours -
Multimedia Group Limited’s Clinton Yeboah shortlisted for 2 International Sports Press Association Awards
4 hours -
Supreme Court upholds High Court verdict on fraudulent sale of property by Senior Police Officer
4 hours -
NHIS Biometric Membership Authentication System limited rollout satisfactory – NHIA Deputy CEO
5 hours -
Yara Ghana donates 1,107 bags of fertilizers to women farmers, farmers with disabilities
5 hours -
Tinubu forms team to find solutions to ailing economy
5 hours -
Jacob Zuma barred from running in South Africa election
5 hours -
Western Cape Education wins national primary school track and field championships
5 hours -
Cyber Security Authority issues Public Alert over Easter and Eid al-Fitr season scams
5 hours -
Sandro Tonali charged by FA for alleged betting rules breaches after joining Newcastle
5 hours