Black Stars to miss Raphael Dwamena

Ghana’s Black Stars were hit by a blow yesterday when young enterprising striker, Raphael Dwamena, was ruled out of Friday’s crucial FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier against Congo at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

The gangling striker, who crowned an impressive debut with a goal against Ethiopia last June, was key in Coach Kwasi Appiah’s plans till fate closed his chapter for the double-header against Congo this Friday and next Wednesday in Brazzaville.

According to an FA source, Dwamena asked to be excused in order to seek a second opinion in Europe after failing a medical test in connection with his move to English Premiership side Brighton last week.

Dwamena became the second casualty to miss the Congo duel after Turkey-based midfielder, Isaac Sackey, was ruled out by injury and had to be replaced by Italy-based Afriyie Acquah.

The odds notwithstanding, Coach Appiah and his technical staff are working tirelessly in a bid to turn around Ghana’s fortunes, following the poor start by the former Stars coach, Avram Grant.

For now, it appears a very tall order for the Stars who want to use Friday’s match to appease the Kumasi fans after the Stars B’s recent failure to qualify for next year’s CHAN tournament in Kenya.

Ghana now trail Egypt (6 points) and Uganda (4 points) in Group E with just a point as the four teams chase for the sole group ticket for the next Mundial in Russia next year.

But unlike the previous squad under Grant, Coach Appiah is blessed with young talented and hungry players whose appetite to appear on the world stage appears greater.

New kids on the block such as Lumor Agbenyenu of Portugal, Ebenezer Ofori of VFB Stuttgart and Thomas Agyepong of NAC Breda, Joseph Attamah Larweh, Edwin Gyasi, Lawrence Ati Zigi and others are set to join forces with popular faces such as skipper Asamoah Gyan and Dede Ayew to salvage the World Cup dream.

Even more refreshing is the timely return of the Stars playmaker, Christian Atsu, for the two legs.

Obviously, it would be quite a task for Coach Appiah to select his first team from such an array of stars, all of whom are doing well for their respective clubs in Europe.

It would certainly be a blend of experienced and the neophytes which could give Kwasi Appiah a new lease of life as he focuses on the future.

The team arrived in Kumasi late last Monday and headed straight for their usual Gulden Tulip base, only to engage in a brief shake-up to end the day.

The Stars, however, embarked on full-sale training yesterday at the Baba Yara Stadium, attracting the usual impressive attendance by the home fans.