Black Stars duo Kamaldeen Sulemana and Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer have withdrawn from the Black Meteors squad for the upcoming U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Ghanaian forwards alongside Enerst Nuamah were included in Ibrahim Tanko’s provisional 29-man squad, and were expected to join the team after their assignment with the Black Stars in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers last Sunday.
However, it has been confirmed that Kamaldeen and Konigsdorffer have decided against joining Black Meteors for the tournament in Morocco.
Both Sulemana and Enerst Nuamah featured in the Black Stars’ game against Madagascar in the AFCON qualifiers with the latter climbing off the bench to make his debut by replacing the Southampton forward while Konigsdorffer warmed the bench throughout.
Meanwhile, Nuamah who was actively involved in Black Meteors’ final round of qualification against Algeria providing an assist each in the two legs will be part of the team.
The reasons behind the duo’s withdrawal have not been explicitly stated, but it seems they have little interest in featuring for the Black Meteors at the tournament.
Another reason for the withdrawal is believed to be the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) inability to persuade the clubs of the two players to release them for the tournament, which is not sanctioned by FIFA.
In their final preparations, the Black Meteors will engage in a friendly match against Egyptian side Zamalek SC on Tuesday, June 20. This fixture will conclude their camping in the North African country before they leave for Morocco.
Ghana find themselves placed in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Guinea, and DR Congo. The competition is set to commence on Saturday, June 24, with the Black Meteors aiming to overcome the challenges and secure a coveted Olympic Games qualification spot.
