Salou opts for Ghana

Striker Ibrahim Salou has opted to play international football for Ghana, his country of birth, instead of Belgium.

The 26-year-old acquired Belgian citizenship last month and was in line for a national team call up.

Having scored 14 goals in all competitions with first division side Zulte-Waregem this season, Salou attracted interest from the Belgian FA.

But the striker said he opted to play for the Black Stars following overtures made by the Ghanaian football authorities.

"I was positively surprised when I received a call from the chairman of the Ghana Football Association, who told me they had been following my progress and wanted me to play for Ghana," Salou told BBC Sport.

"I am impressed with the way he is leading the organisation of football in Ghana which made me even hungrier to commit to the Black Stars.

"I am a Ghanaian by blood and to be called by your national team to play for them is a big honour."

Ghana coach Ratomir Dujkovic visited Belgium three weeks ago to monitor Salou's progress.

But his debut for the Black Stars could be delayed for a month, as a result of injury.

Salou broke his jaw during Zulte-Waregem's Belgian Cup semi-final.

They face Excelsior Mouscron in the final on 13 May.