2022 World Cup fastest player Kamaldeen Sulemana to be named in Black Meteors’final squad for U-23 AFCON

Frederick Acheampong, the chairman of the Black Meteors management committee, has confirmed that Kamaldeen Sulemana, a winger for the Black Stars, will be an important player for the U-23 team as they prepare for the upcoming U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

After securing qualification with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Algeria in the previous round, Ghana has been drawn into Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Congo, and Guinea.

Coach Ibrahim Tanko has initially named a squad of 22 players consisting solely of domestic players. However, he is expected to finalize the squad in the coming days, including the inclusion of foreign-based players as well as those who are eligible and currently feature for the Black Stars.

Acheampong emphasized the significance of having Kamaldeen Sulemana and young talent Ernest Nuamah, who are both part of the latest Black Stars squad for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, in the U-23 team. Their presence is seen as crucial for Ghana to perform well in the tournament and secure a place in the next Olympic Games.

“We are negotiating with the players and the Black Stars technical team to see if most of them will be available. In any case, the Black Stars’ game is on the 18th, so after that, those who are available can join us,” Acheampong explained to Graphic Sports.

He clarified that Kudus is ineligible for the U-23 team due to his birth year being 2000. However, players like Kamaldeen and Nuamah, who are part of the Black Stars, will be needed in the Black Meteors squad.

“Kudus is not eligible because he was born in the year 2000 but there are other players in the Black Stars like Kamaldeen and Nuamah who would be needed in the Black Meteors”, he stated.

The U-23 Africa Cup of Nations tournament is scheduled to kick off on June 24 and will conclude on July 8, 2023.