Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton is set to unveil Ghana’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The coach is currently meeting with representatives of the Ghanaian media at the Alisa Hotel, where he will not only announce the squad but also provide insights into some of the decisions he has made.
Leading up to the squad announcement, speculations have circulated that both Baba Rahman and Fatawu Issahaku might be absent from the team.
Reports suggest that both players requested to be excused from the squad, citing their commitment to focus on their respective club activities.
Baba Rahman, currently in the recovery process from injury, has sought permission to concentrate on his club career, aiming to secure consistent playing time at the club level.
Additionally, reports from Saddick Adams of Angel Broadcasting Network indicate that Fatawu Issahaku has requested exclusion from the national team, expressing concerns that his participation could impact his efforts to establish himself at Leicester City in the Championship.
“Per his loan agreement at Leicester, there’s a clause that requires Fatawu Issahaku to meet a threshold of matches to secure a permanent stay with the English side.
“The AFCON will mean he misses a good number of games, the reason he’s opted out of the Ghana squad,” Saddick Adams tweeted.
Commenting on Issahaku’s chances of playing at the AFCON, the Leicester City coach said, “We are still waiting for the federations’ answer. We will see if we can have them available for the next game,” says Maresca.
Issahaku has made a significant impact with two goals and seven assists in 21 Championship appearances for Leicester this season.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to commence on January 12, 2023, and conclude on February 11, 2023.
Ghana has been placed in Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
The Black Stars will hold their pre-tournament camp in Kumasi.