Turkey-based duo Caleb Ekuban and Joseph Paintsil land late call-ups ahead of Black Stars friendly matches - Footy Dreams

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Turkey-based duo Caleb Ekuban and Joseph Paintsil land late call-ups ahead of Black Stars friendly matches

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Turkey-based striker Caleb Ekuban and JosephPaintsil have been handed an invite to the Ghana squad for the first time since the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament in Egypt.

On Sunday, Ekuban received the late call-up for the Black Stars international friendly matches against Mali and Qatar later this week as a result of the withdrawals of trio Richard Ofori (goalkeeper), Lumor Agbenyenu (left-back) and John Antwi (striker) who were denied travelling to Turkey for the match due to visa and work permit issues from their respective bases.

Ghana take on the Eagles and Maroons on October 9 and 12 respectively in the city of Antalya.

And it is understood that for proximity purposes, head coach CK Akonnor, in finding replacements for the trio, decided to look within the host country to invite other available Ghanaian players for the match.

The Trabzonspor striker thus fills in the void created by the unavailability of Egypt-based John Antwi.

Ekuban missed his kick in the penalty shootouts that saw Tunisia deny Ghana a place in the quarterfinal of the 2019 Afcon. He had since been overlooked for subsequent international duties.

Paintsil is on a season-long loan move at Ankaragucu from Belgian side Genk.

The former Tema Youth talisman has played three times for his new side in the Turkish Super Lig.

The Black Stars are expected to hold their first training session on Monday, October 5 – one which will also mark as the first under coach CK Akonnoer and his technical team since their appointment in January.

Ghana will be using the Mali and Qatar games as preparatory tests for their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations doubleheader with Sudan scheduled for November.

©Footyghana

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