Ghana snubs Udinese over Asamoah Nations Cup recall

Kwesi Nyantakyi

Ghana football authorities have sneeringly snubbed Italian side Udinese after they formally demanded that Kwadwo Asamoah pulls out of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The struggling Serie A, sniffing the opportunity of a deadly attack on the Togo team in Angola, demanded the release of their Ghanaian star from the tournament.

While there are concerns about the safety of players at the tournament, the Ghana football authorities think Udinese just want to boost their squad with the presence of Asamoah.

In a humiliating snub to Udinese's director of sport Pasqualin, Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi says the Black Stars are ready to play on Monday against Togo with its full squad despite the horrific attack.

“Yes, we would be ready for the game. The players have managed to overcome it and are going about their preparations," Nyantakyi said.

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger agrees with Nyantakyi that the competition must go on insisting some European clubs are sniffing the opportunity.

"We won't be asking Fifa to release them, and I'll be happy for Eboué to play in Cabinda on Monday," said Wenger.

"I believe it would be disrespectful to Africa and the Africa Nations Cup [to bring them home]. It is opportunistic to call the players back.

"You can't always encourage Africa to develop and if something happens say 'come back to Europe'."

Everton coach David Moyes have two players – Joseph Yobo and Yakubu – with the Nigeria squad also insists they should stay.

Moyes said: “The terrorists can't win. If the players decide to come home then FIFA can stop them playing for their clubs while thetournament's going on.”

The African Cup of Nations will start on Sunday as hosts Angola take on Mali in Luanda.

Source; Ghanasoccernet.com