Black Stars coach Otto Addo has expressed his disappointment at the unavailability of Jerome Opoku for Ghana's upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Niger.
The centre-back, who did not feature in the previous match against Angola, has been ruled out due to injury.
Opoku was in Addo's plans for the crucial encounter, and the coach emphasized the defender's qualities that could have been an asset in the game. However, the challenging conditions at the Baba Yara Stadium, where the team trained, may have contributed to his injury.
"Jerome would have been an option. He's tall, has a very good foot, good technique, and you never know. If anything happens, he would have been there. It depends on the dynamics of the game, but as a coach, I always want to have all my options available," Addo explained.
Ghana will now face Niger on Monday, looking to secure their first victory in the AFCON qualifiers after a narrow defeat to Angola. The match is set to take place at the Stade de Municipal de Berkane, with kickoff at 3:00 PM Ghana time.
The absence of Opoku is a significant blow to Ghana's defense, which has been struggling to find its rhythm in recent matches. The team will have to rely on other players to fill the gap and provide a solid defensive foundation against Niger. Despite the setback, Addo remains optimistic about his team's chances of securing a win.
Ghana will look to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Angola and start their AFCON qualifying campaign on a winning note. The match against Niger presents a golden opportunity for the Black Stars to get their campaign back on track and secure three crucial points.
