Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah has explained his decision to omit some big name players from his latest squad for the upcoming International friendlies against Japan and Iceland.

While there were debut call-ups for Levante’s sensation Emmanuel Boateng and Bayern Munich striker Kwasi Okyere Wriedt, the coach droppped captain Asamoah Gyan, deputy skipper Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew - who finished the season as Swansea's top scorer with 11 goals - from his 21 man squad.

“There are a lot of players I didn’t invite and I didn’t do so because they are not performing,” Appiah told Sportsworldghana. 

“Players like Asamoah Gyan, Jordan Ayew and Andre Ayew are all players who have been tried and tested over the years.'' 

“Ghanaians and the entire world know what they are capable of doing, so I feel this is the perfect opportunity for me to try Emmanuel Boateng and Kwasi Okyere Wriedt in our quest to parade a strong team for our upcoming Afcon qualifying remaining matches.'' 

“These are the only friendly games we have to play before we resume our qualifiers, so if you want to try new players, then this certainly is the right time to try them.”

The Black Stars play World Cup-bound Japan on May 30 before facing another World Cup-bound side Iceland on June 7.

These matches are to prepare Ghana ahead of the 2019 Afcon qualifiers in September after failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.