Medeama SC goalkeeper, Felix Kyei, has lifted the lid on the inclusion of Richard Ofori in Ghana’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, suggesting the decision was driven more by sympathy than performance.
Ofori, who had played less than ten games at the time for his club, was a notable name on the 26-man list submitted by then-head coach, Chris Hughton.
The experienced goalkeeper had not enjoyed the best of form leading into the tournament, and his selection raised eyebrows, especially after Ghana crashed out in the group stage, following a series of costly errors by the shot-stopper.
In the must-win game against Mozambique, Ofori was in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
A lapse in concentration led him to concede a needless corner, which ultimately resulted in a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser.
That goal eliminated the Black Stars from the tournament and sparked widespread criticisms from fans and pundits alike.
Now, Kyei, who was placed on the standby list for the tournament, has disclosed in an interview with Medeama FM that Ofori’s inclusion was less about merit and more about giving him a platform to relaunch his career.
“Chris Hughton told me if he has to drop any goalkeeper, it should be Richard Ofori, but because of his leadership roles and other stuff, he has to be included in the team. Again, I was told Ofori’s inclusion was to help him regain his confidence and also use the tournament as a springboard to get a new club,” he said.
Despite the disappointment of being left out, Kyei says he bore no resentment toward the coach or Ofori, choosing instead to take the decision in stride.
“It was Christmas, so Hughton wished me well, and I told him I have no qualms since he is the head coach and knows what’s best for the team. It’s normal; anything can happen during national team call-ups,” he concluded.
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Meanwhile, watch the latest edition of Sports Check with former Hearts of Oak midfielder Frederick Ansah Botchway
