Ghana’s Black Stars will be without the services of two key players and one winger for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying games against South Africa.
England Premier League team Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew, Brentford winger Tariq Fosu and Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey are not available for the big match because of a decision by Premier League clubs not to release players for matches in red-list countries.
The Black Stars will battle South Africa in Johannesburg on September 6. This is after hosting Ethiopia in Cape Coast a week earlier.
Alltthree players will play against Ethiopia since Ghana are on United Kingdom’s amber list, however, won’t travel won’t join the team’s trip to South Africa who are red-listed.
According to reports, the decision could also affect Andy Yiadom who plays for Championship side Reading FC in England.
On the other hand, Baba Rahman who is based in England is likely to play against South Africa because a move from Chelsea is imminent.
Due to the current UK government rules, players who visit red-list countries would be forced to miss several games because of the 10-day isolation period required on return to the UK.
The Premier League said “extensive talks” had taken place with the Football Association and government “to find a solution” but that “no exemption had been granted”.
In March this year, Andre Ayew Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey did not play in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa.
Head coach Charles Akonnor is expected to invite new players in the coming days to strengthen his provisional squad for the matches.