Ghana Legend Asamoah Gyan Defends Abdul Fatawu Issahaku for Skipping AFCON to Focus on Leicester

• Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has been one of Leicester City's best players this season
• The Ghanaian youngster chose to skip the 2023 AFCON to focus on his club's future
• Asamoah Gyan had defended the youngster for choosing club over country

Leicester City youngster Abdul Fatawu Issahaku decided to remain in England instead of playing for Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghanaians heavily criticised his decision and felt the winger should've represented his country on the Ivory Coast.

Black Stars legend, Asamoah Gyan, is happy the young footballer ditched AFCON.

Issahaku is on loan from Sporting Lisbon and wanted to focus on his future by skipping Africa's biggest football tournament.

Issahaku Abdul Fatawu's player profile, current team, age, stats, achievements, latest news, salary

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His controversial decision paid off as he played a crucial role for the Foxes, which won promotion back to the Premier League.

The 20-year-old scored seven goals and provided 13 assists this season. He is now one of the most exciting Ghanaian footballers, and Gyan says he did no wrong by skipping AFCON.

"While we needed him in the national team, I believe his decision not to participate in the AFCON was the best for his career. He needed to focus on his playing career and ensure he reaches greater heights. Ghanaians showed patience despite some criticism, and I think it has paid off," Gyan said, via Ghana Soccernet.

Ghana suffered a second straight group stage exit from the tournament, per CAF. Chris Hughton was fired and replaced with Otto Addo, who will likely call up the youngster for Ghana's matches in June.

Kudus vs Issahaku stats

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Sports Brief earlier compared Mohammed Kudus and Issahaku's 2023/24 numbers as the season draws to a close.

Both players have registered at least 20 goal contributions for their teams. Kudus has scored more goals at West Ham, but his young compatriot has more assists.

Leicester fans chant Fatawu's name

Sports Brief also reported that Leicester fans chanted Fatawu Issahaku's name after he bagged a hat-trick in the 5-0 win against Southampton on April 23.

Fans expect the youngster to be signed permanently for next season and hope he will play a big role in their quest to stay in the Premier League.