The invitation to play for the Ghana U-23 team in this month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Algeria was turned down by striker Felix Afena-Gyan, who currently resides in Italy.
According to various sources, the reason for this decision is his displeasure at not being included in Ghana's World Cup roster in Qatar despite having a significant role in their qualification.
Afena-Gyan played in both legs of the matches in the final qualifying round, which saw the Black Stars defeat Nigeria and earn a spot in Qatar. His performance leading up to the competition, however, was not particularly strong because he had trouble settling in after switching from AS Roma to Cremonese. He yet maintained his optimism about making the squad.
The 20-year-old attacker has turned down a call-up to the Black Meteors, who are now attempting to qualify for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, which offers a chance to compete for the Olympic Games, after being left out of the World Cup team.
When Ghana's men's football team won bronze in Barcelona in 1992, they became the first African team to take home an Olympic medal. Since Athens 2004, when athletes like Asamoah Gyan, Stephen Appiah, John Mensah, and John Paintsil participated, they have not, however, competed at the Olympic Games.
In the final round of qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Black Meteors take against Algeria. The team is keen to return to the Olympic Games, and its managers are inviting players with Black Stars experience, such goalie Danlad Ibrahim, Fatawu Issahaku, and Daniel Afriyie Barnieh.
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