Black Stars Coach Otto Addo defends shocking Wakaso call-up
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Mubarak Wakaso of Ghana warms up before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals game between Ghana and Benin at Ismailia Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt on 25 June 2019 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Black Stars Coach Otto Addo has justified his decision to name Mubarak Wakaso in Ghana’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, stating he is an experienced player with proven quality.
The 31-year-old’s inclusion in the Black Stars 34-man squad has attracted widespread criticisms since the China based midfielder has not played competitive club football with Shenzhen FC since August 11, 2021.
Wakaso was unable to feature for Ghana at the AFCON 2021 and in the World Cup qualifying play-off against Nigeria due to injury. But, the ex-Granada man is fit and has been training with the Black Stars in Cape Coast.
“We have some experienced players who showed that they have the quality. May I ask if you were there when we beat South Africa? How did you see his performance?,” Otto Addo quizzed a journalist at the pre-match presser, who responded, “It was great.”
“Ah ok. So, this is the answer,” Otto Addo added.
The Black Stars will open their AFCON 2023 qualifiers with a Group E encounter against Madagascar on Wednesday in Cape Coast before facing Central African Republic on June 5.
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