Black Satellites coach releases final list of players for Ghana '99

Accra (Greater Accra) 11 Feb. '99

Black Satellites coach, Dossena Guissepe today released his final list of 22 players for the Africa Under-20 Youth Tournament (Ghana '99) which begins on Sunday, February 21. The team comprises 10 foreign-based and 12 local players. Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the coach stated that the selection was based on merit and that there was no interference or influence from anyone.

The players are :

Goalkeepers : Sammy Adjei, Osei Boateng and Yaw Berko. Defence : Issah Rahman, Aziz Ansah, George Blay, Akwasi Okyere, Kofi Amoako and Mohammed Hamza.

Midfield : Abdul Razak, Emmanuel Adjogu, Laryea Kingston, Johnson Eklu, Awuley Quaye (Jnr), Theophilus Amuzu and Abubakari Yakubu .

Forwards : Owusu Afriyie, Godwin Attram, Baffour Gyan, Adu-Tutu Skelly, Issah Mohammed and Michael Cofie.

Philip Kutsu and Lawrence Adjei are on standby.

Dossena said he has his squad ready but due to club commitments, four foreign based players - George Blay, Akwasi Okyere, Michael Cofie and Abubakari Yakubu - will arrive by Monday, February 15.

Mr Joseph Ade Coker, chairman of the Satellites management committee, said Yakubu's team, Ajax of Holland are, however, refusing to release him on the pretext that he will not obtain a visa back to Holland after the tournament. He said the excuse the Dutch club is giving "is not true". He said the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has sent a letter to the world football governing body, FIFA, on the issue and hopes to get the player released as soon as possible in accordance to FIFA rules.