Medeama Sporting Club, the reigning champions of the Ghana Premier League, have encountered a setback in their preparations for the highly anticipated friendly match against DC United.
A significant number of their players have been denied visas by the American Embassy, causing disruptions in their plans.
According to sources from GhanaWeb, only 13 players out of the 19 submitted by the Tarkwa-based club were successful in obtaining visas for the trip.
Notably, two of these visa recipients are goalkeepers.
Among those whose visa applications were rejected by the embassy is star midfielder Godknows Jakpasu.
Furthermore, several team officials, including the Chief Executive Officer, Felix Tetteh Zutah, who had crucial roles to play during the team’s preparations, also faced visa denials by the embassy.
This development has thrown a wrench into Medeama SC’s plans. They were originally scheduled to depart for the United States on October 11, 2023, but the refusal of visas to key players and officials has disrupted their travel arrangements.
The match between Medeama and DC United has garnered significant attention, primarily due to Medeama’s outstanding performance in the CAF Champions League.
The Yellow and Mauves made history by becoming the first Ghanaian club in 11 years to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League, following Berekum Chelsea’s achievement in 2012.
Medeama’s journey to this stage included victories over Remo Stars of Nigeria and Guinean giants.
Danita Johnson, the President of Business Operations at DC United, which is managed by former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, expressed the club’s excitement at hosting Medeama in this friendly encounter.
“D.C. United are thrilled to bring another storied and well-followed international club to our home of Audi Field and to our local community of Washington, D.C.,” she said.
“Soccer is a global sport, and this matchup against a historic Ghanaian club like Medeama SC will help us further grow the game in our region and provide another diverse experience for our fanbase.”
Meanwhile, the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, also expressed his delight with the upcoming game.
“This great game, which is part of Ghana Week DC, not only bridges the gap between Ghana and the USA but also serves as a shining beacon of unity and collaboration, showcasing the spirit of the Beyond the Return project we are embarking on,” he stated back in August
“Together, we celebrate culture, forge lasting connections, and ignite a new era of international camaraderie.”
The Tarkwa-based have drawn record holders Al-Ahly of Egypt, Young Africans of Tanzania and CR Belouizdad of Algeria in an epic group stage of the CAF Champions League.