Nationality switch scuppers Osei Ghana U20 dreams

Ex-France U17 captain Kevin Osei’s hopes of playing for Ghana at the Africa Youth Championship in South Africa have been hit by nationality switch delays.

The 20-year-old, who plays for French giants Marseille, was part of the final list of players selected by coach Orlando Wellington.

But he has been replaced by Finland-based Kwame Amponsah Karikari in the final squad.

As Osei has already played for France at the U17 level, he should have applied to FIFA for a nationality switch to enable him play for the country of his parents.

Black Satellites management committee chairman Jordan Anagbla says Osei excelled and would have been part of the final team.

“Osei was not dropped because he failed to make the grade. He is very good and a talented player who could have added a lot to the team,” Anagbla said.

“But getting the Ghanaian passport for him and all the nationality papers proved a problem that is why he allowed him to go.

“Form now until the World Cup there is enough time for us to prepare his papers to ensure that he is ready if we qualify.” Ghana will play arch rivals Nigeria, Cameroon and Gambia in Group B.

Revised Ghana squad:

Goalkeepers:

Adade Foli (Ebusua Dwarfs, Ghana), Akwasi Acheampong (Liberty Professionals, Ghana), Ibrahim Alhassan (Madina United, Ghana)

Defenders:

Rashid Sumaila (Ebusua Dwarfs, Ghana), Adnan Saeed (Wa All Stars, Ghana), Karim Alhassan (Hearts of Oak, Ghana), Paul Aidoo (Berekum Chelsea, Ghana), Richmond Nketiah (FC Nania, Ghana), Samuel Kyere (Berekum Chelsea, Ghana), Masawudu Alhassan (Genoa, Italy)

Midfielders:

Albert Bruce (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), Seidu Shaibu (Wa All Stars, Ghana), Bright Addae (Terrassa FC, Italy), James Bissue (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Enoch Ebo Andoh (Benfica, Portugal), Gershon Koffie (Vancouver Whitecaps, Canada), Ebenezer Otu (Berekum Chelsea, Ghana)

Strikers:

Richmond Boakye-Yiadom (Genoa, Italy) Kwame Amponsah-Karikari (AIK Fotboll, Sweden), Mahatma Otoo (Hearts of Oak, Ghana), Kwame Nsor (Metz, France)