The Ghana Football Association (GFA) says it is hopeful coach Kwesi Appiah will have a full strength side for the tour of the USA as it tries to convince English Premier League clubs to allow the trio of Jordan and Andre Ayew as well as Daniel Amartey travel.
Communications Director of the GFA Ibrahim Sannie Daara told the media after a first-day of training that the Major League Soccer duo of Jonathan Mensah and Harrison Afful have been excused from the non-residential camping because of club commitment but would join the team in the USA.
Also absent was Torino’s Afriyie Acquah, who is on the sidelines because of injury.
But Sannie Daara suggested that the Ayew brothers could still travel with the team despite widespread reports that they would miss the games – including one against Mexico.
“The Ayew brothers, who are not available at the training grounds are not here because of the request the GFA had from their various clubs, Swansea and West Ham United respectively that they should be excluded from the two friendly games. That is why they didn’t appear at the training grounds,” he said.
Leicester City have made a similar request for Daniel Amartey to miss both games and the GFA says it is powerless to stop clubs who would be looking to stop their players from playing.
“The clear case is that these friendly matches are not within the FIFA date of international friendlies so the clubs have the ultimate say over whether their players should play or not. But we are counting on the good relationship we have with these clubs to ensure that at least we can have them for these matches,” he added.
Ghana will face a second string Mexico side in Texas on June 28 before taking on the USA in Connecticut three days later on July 1.
By Michael Oti Adjei|3news.com|Ghana