Kotoko players are fatigued, I can’t rely on them – Meteors coach

Ghana U23 coach Malik Jabir says he will no longer rely on players from Asante Kotoko because they are fatigued.

The Black Meteors head into the second leg of their ultimate 2015 All Africa Games qualifier against Mozambique on Sunday without first choice goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi.

Antwi, alongside Kojo Poku and Frank Sarfo Gyamfi who play for Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, have been excluded from the side due to their heavy club engagements in recent times.

Black Meteors coach Malik Jabir says he will be unable to use these players in his team because they are unable to give off their best since they are tired.

“I had to release some of the players from Kotoko because they were clearly drained,” he said.

“Their players have been engaged in a very busy schedule and it showed when they first came to camp.

“The likes of Kojo Poku, Sarfo Gyamfi and Ofori Antwi had to be excused because they were clearly tired.

“Psychologically it won’t be right to use them and I will not use these players until they get the needed rest.”

Ghana must overturn a 2-1 deficit suffered in the first leg of the qualifiers on Sunday in order to qualify for the finals to be staged later this year in Congo Brazzaville.