The experienced playmaker has been left out of the Black Stars squad list for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Ghanaian centre-back Kennedy Yeboah Bonsu is presently undergoing trials with Spanish La Liga campaigners Villareal.
Nigeria's Golden Eaglets triumphed over Ghana's under-17 side, the Black Starlets, with a 3-2 win to secure the bronze medal at the WAFU Zone B U17 Football Tournament.
Nsoatreman FC head coach Maxwell Konadu has explained his team's defeat to Karela United on Saturday during match week 31 of the Ghana Premier League.
Reflecting on the match, the former Asante Kotoko coach acknowledged that his team missed crucial opportunities, leading to their loss. "Karela had their chances. We fought back, but I think we miscalculated some distance and some spaces," Konadu noted.
He highlighted specific tactical errors that contributed to their downfall. "We were not able to close that half space, and that is what caused the second goal. And then we fought back after that, but you know, we brought some young guys," he said.
Konadu also pointed out the role inexperience played in their performance. "Inexperience was playing a role in our game, so the chance we had, we should have buried it, and that would have been 2-2," he added.
Despite the loss, Konadu found some positives in the overall play. "Generally speaking, the game was a good game. I think Karela, they fought very well to win the game," he commented.
In the match, Welbeck Takyi scored first for Karela United, with Nsoatreman FC equalizing through Collins Kudjoe. However, Karela's captain Mohammed Fatawu netted the winning goal three minutes after the hour mark, sealing the victory for his team.
Asante Kotoko legend Malik Jabir has urged the inclusion of home-based players, particularly Hearts of Oak defender Michael Ampadu, in the Black Stars squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana will face Mali on June 6 in Bamako and then host the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium on June 10. These matches are crucial as Ghana aims to secure maximum points following a shaky start to the qualifiers last year.
The Black Stars managed a 1-0 victory over Madagascar but then suffered a narrow defeat to Comoros, leaving them fourth in Group I.
In an interview with Kessben FM, Malik Jabir emphasized the importance of local talent, especially Michael Ampadu, in strengthening the national team. “Hearts of Oak’s right-back Michael Ampadu is a good defender. He is physically strong, and for me, these are the players you promote as a coach. Such a player needs to be given the chance to try. We shouldn’t think about the clubs they belong to. Just look at how tough the player is and give those players the chance,” Jabir stated.
Despite Hearts of Oak's struggles this season, Ampadu has stood out in the Ghanaian top-flight league with his physical prowess and defensive skills.
Ghana coach Otto Addo is set to announce his squad on Wednesday for the important matches in June. Including players like Ampadu could inject fresh energy and resilience into the team, which is crucial for improving their position in the qualifiers.
The upcoming games are critical for the Black Stars' path to the 2026 World Cup, and selecting the right players will be essential. Malik Jabir's call to include local talent reflects a belief in the potential of home-grown players to make a significant impact internationally.
Incorporating more home-based players could also strengthen the bond between the national team and the domestic league, promoting greater development and opportunities for local athletes.
As the squad announcement approaches, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Otto Addo includes players like Michael Ampadu. Their performances could be key to securing the necessary victories in the upcoming qualifiers.
Anticipation is high, and the focus will be on the Black Stars as they prepare for these vital matches. Successfully integrating both local and international talent will be crucial in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Asante Kotoko legend Opoku Nti is confident Hearts of Oak will survive the drop at the end of the Ghana Premier League campaign.
The Ghanaian giants has been in dismal form this season and are now staring at relegation with three games to end the campaign. At the moment, the Phobians are only two points ahead of the drop zone.
Their poor form was compounded by a 2-0 defeat against arch-rivals Asante Kotoko, leaving Hearts of Oak in a precarious position.
The Phobians must win their remaining games against Nations FC, city rivals Great Olympics, and Bechem United to stay up.
Whiles Charles Taylor is clamoring for Hearts of Oak’s demotion, Opoku Nti has predicted Kotoko’s fierce rival will stay up in the Ghanaian top-flight at the end of the season.
“Kotoko hasn’t pushed Hearts of Oak into the relegation zone. This season, Kotoko have triumphed over Hearts in both legs which has given Kotoko the upper hand but I don’t think Hearts will be relegated” he told Kessben FM monitored by Footballghana.com.
Hearts of Oak are 15th on the league standings with 38 points after 31 matches into the campaign. They will welcome Nations FC to the Accra Sports Stadium in matchday 32 of the league season.
