Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim has received a late invite to join the Black Stars squad for Japan’s 2022 Kirin Cup Soccer tournament.
The 4-nation invitational involves the hosts, Chile as well as World Cup-bound Ghana and Tunisia from Africa.
Danlad – whose last call-up was in October 2021 – had yet again missed out on the squad named by head coach Otto Addo for the senior national teams’ four matches this month.
Jojo Wollacott, Manaf, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Richard Ofori were the preferred choices but an injury to the latter – who had his first training with the squad on Thursday – has necessitated a replacement.
“Asante Kotoko shot-stopper Ibrahim Danlad has been called up to replace Richard Ofori for the Kiri Cup (four-nation tournament) in Japan.
“Richard Ofori – reported to camp in Accra on Thursday but checks revealed after training that he had aggravated a hamstring injury and could not travel with the team hence the decision to draft in Ibrahim Danlad for the trip to Japan.
“Richard Ofori’s club – Orlando Pirates have been duly informed of the unfortunate setback as he is due back in South Africa for recuperation.
“The medical team of the Black Stars would carry out further investigations (MRI scans) in Accra to confirm the extent of the injury before he departs for Johannesburg,” the Ghana FA officially announced Saturday morning.
The Black Stars are currently in Angola where they are scheduled to face the Central African Republic in their second Group E game in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying at 13:00 GMT on Sunday.
Danlad will remain with his club Asante Kotoko for their Ghana Premier League game against Great Olympics in Accra on Sunday after which he will be connecting with the national team squad.
At the Kirin Cup Soccer tournament, Ghana will be facing hosts Japan on June 10 and Chile or Tunisia in the final or third-place play-off four days later.
Schedule:
Friday, June 10 – Noevir Stadium, Kobe
• Chile vs Tunisia – 6:15 am
• Japan vs Ghana – 9:55 am
Tuesday, June 14 – Panasonic Stadium, Osaka
• Chile or Tunisia vs Ghana – 6:15 am
• Japan vs Chile or Tunisia – 9:55 am