Ibrahim Tanko Explains Absence of Gyan, Ayews And Schlupp
Ibrahim Tanko speaks on some key missing names from the Black Stars roster for Afcon qualifier against Kenya.
Ghana assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko has shed light on the omission of some key figures from the Black Stars squad announced for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya.
On Wednesday, head coach James Kwesi Appiah released his list of 21 players for the September 8 fixture in Nairobi.
The roster was, however, without some major names like captain Asamoah Gyan and in-form Crystal Palace utility man Jeffrey Schlupp. Deputy skipper Andre Ayew and brother Jordan, who both recently swapped Swansea City for Turkish side Fenerbahce and Crystal Palace respectively, are also missing.
“Unfortunately, Asamoah had fitness issues,” Tanko told Nhyra FM on the Kayserispor striker’s absence.
“We followed him and realized he has not yet played [for his club in the Turkish League this season]. We have two matches next month, so he could be called.”
Tanko then threw light on the omission of the Ayews, whom media reports say are being punished for opting out of a World Cup qualifier against Congo last September.
“Dede and Jordan recently changed clubs,” the assistant explained.
“For Jordan, even last weekend, he only made the bench.
“Dede has at least played two or three matches since his move, but we think that for a lot of the players that have changed clubs, we don’t want to pressure them. We have two matches next month.
“We hope that by then, they would have established themselves in their new clubs. If we feel we need them, they will be called up.”
Schlupp’s absence was a little surprising, considering his good form for Palace during pre-season and now in the English Premier League.
“Jeffery Schlupp is playing more offensive for Crystal Palace now, but we felt we had enough wingers or wingbacks now,” Tanko revealed.
“He is playing well but we will consider him in the future.”
After the Kenya fixture, Ghana next face Sierra Leone in an October double-header in the Afcon qualifiers.
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