Henry Asante Twum, Communications Manager of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has officially announced that goalkeeper David Akologo and midfielder Mohamed Diomande will not feature in the Black Stars squad for the upcoming March international friendly matches.
Initially named in Otto Addo's 26-man squad for the games against Nigeria and Uganda, both players will miss out due to external factors.
Akologo, who currently plays for Club Aurora in Bolivia, has been called up to the national team of Bolivia, while Diomande has been selected for Ivory Coast's U-23 national team.
Speaking on the Ultimate Sports Show on Asempa FM, Asante Twum confirmed their absence, stating that the FA will engage in discussions with the players after the international fixtures.
"As things stand, those two players [David Akologo and Mohamed Diomande] will not be part of the squad, and this goes beyond football," he explained.
Regarding Diomande, who had been eager to represent Ghana, Asante Twum highlighted the player's dual eligibility and the need for time to make a decision.
"With Diomande, immediately he was named in Ghana's squad, he was also named in Ivory Coast's U-23 squad and he can decide where to play. He has informed us that he will need time since he is eligible to play for Ghana and Ivory Coast.
"In our conversation with him, Diamonde was anxious and eager to play.
As for Akologo, the FA has reached out to him, and although he expressed his desire to play for Ghana, his participation in the upcoming friendlies remains uncertain.
"With regards to Akologo, the FA reached out to him and he said he wants to play for Ghana despite playing for Bolivia for years but these are friendly games and we have to wait and see what happens in the future.
"We just have to move on and focus on the games against Nigeria and Uganda," he added.
The focus now shifts to the matches against Nigeria and Uganda, scheduled for March 22 and March 26 respectively at the Stade de Marrakesh, as the Black Stars aim to make the most of their squad despite these setbacks.
