Kotoko captain Ganiu, Richard Ofori and three others dropped by Ghana coach ahead of 2021 Afcon -Reports

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The Black Stars gaffer is reported to have dropped the Porcupine Warriors centre-back from his plans ahead of the Afcon

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has reportedly dropped Asante Kotoko captain Abdul Ganiu Ismail from his provisional squad ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Cameroon.

With the tournament barely 29 days away, Milovan is expected to officially submit his provisional 30-man squad to Ghana Football Association for scrutiny before an official announcement is made.

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori, who is currently recuperating from an injury he sustained against South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers, is expected to miss the list.

The technical team believes Swindon Town goalkeeper Jojo Wollacot, Richard Attah and Lawrence Ati-Zigi as well as Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Razak Abalora can do the work in his absence.

Also, Reading defender Andy Yiadom is expected to be dropped from the squad since Milovan believes he is an average player. The Serbian believes Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey can fill the void with assistance from Dreams FC youngster Philimon Baffour.

Former Asokwa Deportivo striker Joel Fameye who is currently plying his trade with FC Orenburg in Russia, will likely be snubbed as Milovan isn’t enthused about his style of play.

Meanwhile, Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu has been added to the squad as Milovan deems him a perfect player to pair Strasbourg defender Alexander Djiku.

Spezia Calcio midfielder Emmanuel Gyasi is expected to be given the opportunity to represent Ghana once again after missing out in all the games since Milovan took over from C.K Akonnor two months ago.

Due to COVID-19, Caf has given each participating country the opportunity to present 28 players for the tournament instead of 23.

The Black Stars, who have been paired with Morocco, Gabon and Comoros Island in Group C, are hoping to improve on their performance in the competition since they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Tunisia in the 2019 edition held in Egypt.

“The Black Stars of Ghana will open camp in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 ahead of the 33rd edition to the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations – Cameroon 2021,” a Ghana FA statement read.

“The team will be in Doha for a period of three weeks to prepare for the Tournament scheduled for Cameroon from January 9 to February 6, 2022.

“The Black Stars will play three International friendly matches in Qatar to give Coach Milovan Rajevac the opportunity to assess his squad for the Tournament.

“Ghana are expected to play a yet to named club side on Tuesday, December 28, before taking on one of the Africa Cup of Nations qualified teams on Friday, January 1, 2022 in another friendly.

“The team will wrap up their test matches against African Champions Algeria on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

“The Black Stars will depart Doha for Yaoundé on Friday, January 7, 2022 to take on the rest of Africa at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

“Head Coach Milovan Rajevac has until Friday, December 30, 2021 to submit his final squad for the Tournament. Ghana are housed in Group in Group C with Morocco, Gabon and Comoros.

GHANA SCHEDULE IN DOHA – QATAR

Team open camp on December 22, 2021

First Friendly match against a club side – December 28, 2021

Second friendly match against AFCON bound country – January 1, 2022

Third friendly against Algeria – January 5, 2022

Departure to Cameroon – January 7, 2022

Submission of final squad – December 30, 2021,” the statement added.

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