Ghanaian moves to India

Hammond in a Ghanaian striker Mumbai Football Club, newly promoted to the ONGC I-League for the coming season, have signed up a third Ghanaian Abel Hammond to bolster their strike force.

The 23-year-old Hammond, who chose to go to Italy to ply his trade in the junior Serie A despite being chosen for his country's Under 17 World Cup side, will play alongside compatriots and fellow-strikers Felix Aboagye and Michael Osei.

Hammond, who played in Italy for two years before returning home for personal reasons, said he was excited by the chance to ply his trade in Mumbai.

"My season with Liberty Professionals in the Ghanaian Premier League had just ended when my agent told me of Mumbai FC's interest," Hammond said.

"I know Felix Aboagye was playing there and he's a well-known figure in Ghanaian football. Felix spoke very highly of Mumbai FC and football in India in general."

Mumbai FC's head coach David Booth sounded pleased with the signing of Hammond who, he feels, will complement India international Abhishek Yadav and Aboagye.

"He's a quick lad and plays a more central role, so he complements Abhishek and Felix very well. Abel can hold the ball very well and is equally good in the air. He's an asset," said the Englishman.