Queens reliable defender to miss tourney

Accra, August 26, GNA - Mavis Danso, Black Queens reliable defender would miss out of the fourth edition of the African Women's Championship (AWC) slated for South Africa next month to enable her undertake a three-year scholarship programme in the United States of America (USA). Danso is expected to leave Accra for the USA on Sunday to commence the programme with a Chicago-based school, Robert Morries College, according to information gathered by the GNA Sports.

The College according to the information has taken an entrenched position with regards to the release of Danso to honour national assignments.

The college is said to have agreed in principle to release the player for future national assignments only after two years of her stay. The defender has commanded a regular position at the left wing back of the team since 2002 without blemish.

Danso who plays for GHATEL Ladies in Accra, played in the last AWC staged in Warri, Delta State of Nigeria two years ago. She was also a key member of the team that bowed out of the group stages of the last Women's World Cup staged in the USA. The players' imminent absence will be a big blow to the tactical plans of the team and this has compelled coach John Eshun to work on other options to fill the vacuum.

The dependable player is expected to play alongside former teammates, Alberta Sackey, Basilea Amoah Tetteh and Elizabeth Baidoo whilst in the States.

Meanwhile, the college has also expressed interest in the Queens' second choice goalkeeper, Fati Mohammed who will also be leaving with Danso on Sunday.

Subsequently, coach Eshun has incorporated young goalkeeper Gladys Quansah of the U-19 team, the Black Princess into the team in place of Fati.

The Queens, ranked second on the African continent are paired with Zimbabwe and Ethiopia in Group A that has been tagged as "the group of death".