Bechem United striker Hafiz Konkoni has missed out on making his Black Stars debut after failing to make the team for Ghana’s senior national men’s football team’s 2023 AFCON qualifier against Madagascar.
The 23 year old forward was handed a late call up to the Black Stars after Inaki Williams pulled out of the squad due to a knee injury.
However, Konkoni was not named in the 23 man match day squad that competed against Madagascar in the island nation’s capital, Antananarivo. Reasons for his absence are yet to be communicated by Black Stars handlers.
Andre Ayew, Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer and Kwasi Okyere Wriedt were the strikers who made the match day squad.
In a strange twist, Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton praised Konkoni after a training session on June 13 ahead of the game saying, “I thought he did well (in training). It wasn’t a surprise because he is a player I have enjoyed watched”.
Konkoni scored 15 goals in 25 BetPawa Ghana Premier League games for Bechem United in the just ended 2022-2023 season. Bechem finished third in the 18 team league standings.
Ghana drew goalless against Madagascar in a largely forgettable performance that had the Black Stars struggle to create chances.
A win would have guaranteed Ghana a place at the next AFCON that is scheduled to be held in Cote D’Ivoire.
Despite the draw, Ghana still ranks top of Group E with nine points and holds a one point lead over second placed Angola.