Asante Kotoko vice-captain Musa Hamzata says he is proud and emotional after being selected for Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia.
The defender is one of five Ghana Premier League players included in the Black Stars squad, earning his first senior international call-up.
Medeama pair Emmanuel Annor and Etse Dogli, Accra Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and FC Samartex defender Isaac Afful are the other locally based players named in the squad.
Hamzata admitted he was caught off guard by the invitation when speaking to Asante Kotoko’s media team.
“I feel very proud of my first call-up to the national team. I felt proud, speechless at the same time because I wasn’t expecting such news,” he said.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers will provide Hamzata with the opportunity to make his international debut, with Ghana seeking their first win in the campaign after losing their opening two matches.
The defender said the news also prompted an emotional reaction from his elder sister, who he credited with supporting him since the beginning of his football career.
“My elder sister started crying when I gave her the news; she has been the one with me since day one,” he added.
Hamzata also paid tribute to Asante Kotoko for helping him develop as a footballer and thanked his team-mates for their backing.
“Asante Kotoko has played a major role in my footballing career. It has really helped me a lot. A big thank you to my colleagues; they’ve really helped me a lot,” he said.
The defender joined the Black Stars squad for training on Tuesday before travelling with the team to Sekondi on Thursday.
Ghana are due to complete their preparations at the Essipong Sports Stadium before facing Somalia.
Hamzata’s inclusion comes as Ghana attempt to recover from their difficult start to qualification. The Kotoko vice-captain will now look to make his first appearance for the national side during the double-header.
