The story of how Asante Kotoko's missing Sudanese players plotted their escape in the US

Two Sudanese Asante Kotoko players who fled from the team's camp in the United States of America (USA) allegedly orchestrated their escape in Ghana prior to their departure.

According to a report filed by US-based Ghanaian journalist Chief Seidu Adamu, the Sudanese duo, Esmat AbdalHamid Mohamed and Obdoelkarem Yoouef Yagoub, gave their baggage to their Sudan national team colleagues who were in Ghana to play the Black Stars in the 2025 AFCON qualifier.

Hence, they travelled to the US with small luggage containing playing kits, boots, and a few club apparel.

The two players disappeared from the camp base in the USA a day before Kotoko's ceremonial game against DC United.

Kotoko, in a statement released on Saturday, October 12, noted that the players left the team's hotel without permission on Friday, October 11, 2024.

The club further stated that they have informed authorities in the USA, who have begun the search for the missing players.

"Asante Kotoko SC regrets to inform our supporters and the public that two players, Esmat AbdalHamid Mohamed and Obdoelkarem Yoouef Yagoub, both Sudanese nationals, are currently missing from the camp," they wrote in a statement released on their website.

"The players left the team’s hotel without permission on Friday, 11th October 2024, and all efforts to contact or locate them have been unsuccessful. The club has officially notified law enforcement authorities in the United States and is cooperating fully to ensure their safe return," they added.

Reports suggest that the team discovered the players had sneaked out of their hotel through CCTV footage, which captured them being picked up by a car.

The Sudanese duo were part of the nine players and five officials who departed for the USA on October 9, 2024, for the game.

Kotoko encountered visa issues before their trip, with several players being denied visas. As a result, their 32-man contingent was trimmed down to 18.

Due to the small squad size, Kotoko agreed to team up with a Ghanaian select side in the USA to form a team for the match, which they won beating DC United 2-1 at the Audi Field.

The game is an annual ceremonial match, organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association, as part of the activities marking Ghana Week DC 2024, which runs from October 7 to 12, 2024.

EE/EK