Ghana call up excites Kotoko duo

Impressive performances in the domestic league has helped the course of two Kumasi Asante Kotoko players who receive their debut call ups into the senior national team, the Black Stars.

Eric Bekoe and Richard Manu have been handed places in Ghana's 18-man squad announced by Claude Le Roy on Tuesday for the Black Stars' first international friendly after the 2008 African Cup of Nations. Ghana would be up against Mexico on March 26th at the Craven Cottage in London.

Bekoe, who has consistently made the headlines as he leads the league's score chart after hitting his 11th goal of the season last Sunday is happy with the invitation by Claude Le Roy and hopes to maintain his presence in the team.

“I am happy with the fact the fact that I have been given the chance to be part of the team. I know the expectations are high but I would try to give my best. I am young and still need time to adapt. However, I would gradually take the challenges as they come,” the Asante Kotoko striker told www.ghanafa.org.

Bekoe, who says his dream is to help Kotoko win the league sounds deeply religious with the timing of Le Roy's call up.

“I've always been praying to God that I should have my time when its due and if God has destined it, it will come. I will do my best to make sure the flag of Ghana is lifted high.”

His teammate, Richard Manu has sold a decent show on his league debut for Asante Kotoko since his signing from Parderbom, a team in one of the German regionaligas.

Manu, hitherto, remains unknown in the Ghanaian football structure. But a fine run in the premiership has earned his rave reviews and now a call up into the Black Stars.

The hard defender, whose move to Kotoko from the German regionaliga was to help him reconnect to Europe, believes the chapter with the Porcupine Warriors is surely the gateway to big dreams.

"It's great playing for Asante Kotoko. It is easy to conclude that every player's dream should be to play for Kotoko. Above all, playing for Kotoko has opened a door to the national team and I jumped when I heard the news.” Manu said to www.ghanafa.org, as he reacted after hearing that his name was on Ghana's list.

“It's unbelievable but here I am being given the chance to lift the flag of my country, I swear I am not going to disappoint. I feel at home and at the moment my focus is to lift the league title with Asante Kotoko," the Kotoko defender said.

A solid performance against Hearts of Oak at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium gave an indication on his talent.

Now, both players are hoping to earn some playing time to stake a claim for places in the senior national team.

Source- GFA