Ghana coach Charles Akonnor has been handed a blow as two key players Jordan Ayew and Daniel Amartey have been ruled out of the World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
The Crystal Palace striker and Leicester City defender are not available for the important match because of a decision by Premier League clubs not to release players for matches in red-list countries.
The Black Stars play South Africa in Johannesburg on September 6. This is after hosting Ethiopia in Cape Coast.
They will play against Ethiopia since Ghana are on the United Kingdom’s amber list, however, won’t travel won’t join the team’s trip to South Africa who are red-listed.
The decision could also affect Andy Yiadom who plays for Championship side Reading FC. Meanwhile, Baba Rahman who is based in England is likely to play against South Africa because a move from Chelsea is imminent.
Under current UK government rules, players who visit red-list countries would be forced to miss several games because of the 10-day isolation period required on return to the UK.
The Premier League said “extensive talks” had taken place with the Football Association and government “to find a solution” but that “no exemption had been granted”.
This is not the first time this is happening. In March this year, Andre Ayew Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey did not play in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa.
Head coach Charles Akonnor in the coming days is expected to invite new players to strengthen his provisional squad for the matches.