AFCON: Brimah starts against Cameroon

Razak Brimah is set to be in goal for the Black Stars of Ghana as they face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun today (Thursday), in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, contrary to reports on social media that coach Avram Grant has dropped him.

This was revealed to Kwame Dwomoh-Agyemang, Class91.3FM’s sports editor by the president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, hours before the game begins.

There were rumours that due to his misconduct, which attracted sanction from the GFA, Brimah had been replaced by Richard Ofori, the second goal keeper.

Earlier this week, the GFA fined Brimah for misconduct.

A statement released by the GFA on Tuesday January 31 said: “The Ghana Football Association (GFA) held a meeting on Tuesday morning to examine comments made by goalkeeper Razak Brimah on social media. The meeting was necessitated by the unfortunate words used by Brimah which management finds unacceptable.

“We have also received a written apology from Brimah over the comments, which we have considered in reaching a decision.”

Management determined that Brimah's comments on social media were in violation of Article 6(1) & (2) of the Black Stars’ Code of Conduct which provides as follows:

“1) During the periods of camping, all members of the delegation, particularly players, are forbidden to engage in any discussions, and/or any form of communication with player agents, scouts, journalists, and all other unauthorised personnel except with the express permission of the head coach or leader of delegation.

“2) Any player who violates Clause 1 of this article shall be subject to a fine of not less than $1,000.00. In pursuance thereof, the GFA has decided to impose a fine of $2,500 on Brimah, which will be donated to a charity in Ghana.

“We render an unqualified apology to the general public. We will continue to count on the unflinching support of Ghanaians to help us win the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.”

Ghana‘s starting XI against Cameroon: Brimah, Afful, Acheampong, Amartey, Boye, Wakaso, Acquah, Atsu, Partey, Jordan Ayew, and Andre Ayew.

Skipper Asamoah Gyan, who was tipped to start, has only been named for a place on the bench.