Dickoh, Obodai join Black Stars

Holland-based duo Anthony Obodai and Francis Dickoh have been invited to join the Black Stars squad for Wednesday's international friendly against Japan in Utrecht.

Dickoh played in last month's international friendly against Zambia in London and has been handed another opportunity to impress head coach Milovan Rajevac.

Obodai has been off the Black Stars radar for close to four years but has been a key performer for Eredivisie side RKC Waalwijk.

The 26-year-old midfielder played a pivotal role in Waalwijk's promotion to the top flight although the club is struggling to find its feet this term.

The duo replaces Derek Boateng and Opoku Agyeman who made up the final 18 for last Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Sudan in Accra.

Ghana play Japan at the Stadion Galgenwaard home FC Utrecht.

The Black Stars beat the Blue Samurai 0-1 in Yokohama in 2006 to lift the Kirin Challenge Cup.

Ghana team:

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Wigan Athletic, England) and William Amamoo (Vaasaland, Sweden)

Defenders: John Paintsil (Fulham, England), Samuel Inkoom (Basel FC, Switzerland), Harrison Afful (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), John Mensah (Sunderland, England), Eric Addo (Roda JC, Holland) Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim, Germany) and Francis Dickoh (FC Utrecht, Holland)

Midfielders: Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Anthony Annan (Rosenborg, Norway), Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan, Italy), Laryea Kingston, (Hearts, Scotland) and Anthony Obodai (RKC Waalwijk, Holland)

Strikers: Stephen Appiah (Unattached), Asamoah Gyan (Rennes, France), Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda, Holland) and Haminu Draman (Locomotive Moscow, Russia).