Ghana’s U23 team, the Black Meteors, have secured their spot in the Africa U23 Cup of Nations despite the absence of US Cremonese forward, Emmanuel Afena-Gyan.
According to Black Meteors coach, Ibrahim Tanko, Afena-Gyan declined the invitation to join the team for the AFCON qualifiers against Algeria because he was not ready.
Tanko confirmed that he had spoken to Afena-Gyan’s agent multiple times, but the player stayed back in Italy to prepare for the final run in the Serie A after the international break.
Despite his absence, the Black Meteors managed to beat Algeria 2-1 on aggregate and secure their qualification to the Africa U23 Cup of Nations.
Tanko, who missed out on the Olympic Games four years ago, is now looking to return Ghana to the competition for the first time since Athens 2004.
Tanko is hopeful that Afena-Gyan will join the team in Morocco for the AFCON championship, which will serve as a qualification tournament for next summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
“I don’t know what happened. I did my list and added him. I don’t know why he is not here. I personally spoke to his agent about four times, and he told me the boy is not ready,” Tanko told reporters after the game.
“To qualify. We missed out the last time due to one penalty. We still have a chance to call some players. We have some 3 to 4 months to prepare. Definitely, we are adding some qualities and hope we can qualify for the Olympics.”
