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Frederick Acheampong, the chairman of the Black Meteors management committee, has confirmed that Kamaldeen Sulemana, a winger for the Black Stars, will be an important player for the U-23 team as they prepare for the upcoming U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

After securing qualification with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Algeria in the previous round, Ghana has been drawn into Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Congo, and Guinea.

Coach Ibrahim Tanko has initially named a squad of 22 players consisting solely of domestic players. However, he is expected to finalize the squad in the coming days, including the inclusion of foreign-based players as well as those who are eligible and currently feature for the Black Stars.

Acheampong emphasized the significance of having Kamaldeen Sulemana and young talent Ernest Nuamah, who are both part of the latest Black Stars squad for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, in the U-23 team. Their presence is seen as crucial for Ghana to perform well in the tournament and secure a place in the next Olympic Games.

“We are negotiating with the players and the Black Stars technical team to see if most of them will be available. In any case, the Black Stars’ game is on the 18th, so after that, those who are available can join us,” Acheampong explained to Graphic Sports.

He clarified that Kudus is ineligible for the U-23 team due to his birth year being 2000. However, players like Kamaldeen and Nuamah, who are part of the Black Stars, will be needed in the Black Meteors squad.

“Kudus is not eligible because he was born in the year 2000 but there are other players in the Black Stars like Kamaldeen and Nuamah who would be needed in the Black Meteors”, he stated.

The U-23 Africa Cup of Nations tournament is scheduled to kick off on June 24 and will conclude on July 8, 2023.

To replace the injured Inaki Williams in the upcoming AFCON qualifying match against Madagascar, Black Stars Head Coach Chris Hughton has called up Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer.

The Athletic Bilbao striker, who was initially included in Ghana’s squad for the qualifier, has been ruled out due to a knee injury.

In a statement released on Monday, Inaki expressed his decision to prioritize his recovery and be fully fit for the preseason, despite the disappointment of missing out on representing his national team.

Königsdörffer will join the squad in Accra as they begin their training camp on June 12 in preparation for the qualifier.

The Black Stars will travel to Madagascar for the match scheduled to take place on June 18, 2023.

Asamoah Gyan, the former captain of the Black Stars, has commended the decision to include Ernest Nuamah in the Ghana national team, describing it as an excellent choice by coach Chris Hughton.

Ernest Nuamah, a winger for the Black Meteors, has received his first call-up and could potentially make his debut in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.

Gyan expressed his admiration for Nuamah’s abilities, stating during an interview on Asempa FM, “Ernest Nuamah’s call-up to the Black Stars is excellent because he is a talented player.”

Gyan also revealed that he had previously shown support for Nuamah, particularly after the Black Meteors secured qualification for the CAF U-23 AFCON. Gyan had predicted that Nuamah would develop into a valuable player and expressed his delight at seeing the winger included in the national team.

Having always spoken highly of Nuamah, Gyan is not surprised by his current progress. Nuamah’s recent accolades in the Danish league, where he received the titles of Player of the Spring (voted by coaches) and Player of the Year (voted by players in the league), further highlight his exceptional performances.

With an impressive tally of 15 goals and four assists in all competitions this season, Nuamah’s call-up is a testament to his growing reputation and the recognition of his talents.