Why Former AS Roma Forward Felix Afena Gyan Turned Down Ghana U23 Invite

• Black Meteors coach Ibrahim Tanko has explained Felix Afena-Gyan's absence
• The Cremonese forward was invited for the AFCON U23 qualifiers versus Algeria
• The Black Meteors have qualified for the tournament to be hosted in Morocco

Ghana U23 coach, Ibrahim Tanko said he has no idea why Felix Afena-Gyan failed to join the Black Meteors team for the game against Algeria.

According to the former Ghana international, he spoke with the representatives of the player about including Afena-Gyan in his squad for the two qualifying legs.

However, the Cremonese forward's agent reportedly claimed his client was not ready for the double-header.

"I don't know what happened. I did my list and added him. I don't know why he is not here. I personally spoke to his agent about four times, and he told me the boy is not ready," Tanko said at the pre-match presser, per MyJoyOnline.

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Despite the 20-year-old's absence, the Black Meteors secured qualification for the AFCON U23 Cup of Nations after defeating Algeria 2-1 on aggregate.

Sporting Lisbon forward, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku scored in both legs.

Tanko and his team are also eyeing a place in next year's summer Olympics in Paris.

"We missed out the last time due to one penalty. We still have a chance to call some players. We have some 3 to 4 months to prepare. Definitely, we are adding some qualities and hope we can qualify for the Olympics," Tanko added.

The AFCON U23 Cup of Nations will begin on June 23 in Morocco, with the top three teams qualifying for Paris 2024.

Issahaku scores in Ghana's win

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Issahaku repeating his feat in Kumasi as the Black Meteors sealed qualification to the AFCON U23 after defeating the North Africans.

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The Sporting Lisbon winger connected with a cross from new star, Ernest Nuamah to score the only goal as the Ghanaian U23 team secured a 2-1 aggregate victory.

It took only 12 minutes for the Black Meteors to open the scoring and the west Africans held onto the lead for more than an hour to advance to the tournament.