Medeama SC goalkeeper Felix Kyei has shed light on the reasons behind his omission from Ghana’s final squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, despite being named on the Black Stars’ standby list.
Kyei, who had a solid campaign leading up to the tournament, disclosed during an interview with Medeama FM that then-Black Stars coach Chris Hughton personally reached out to explain the situation. According to him, Hughton praised his form but made a difficult decision to include Richard Ofori in the final 26-man squad.
The 22-year-old explained that Hughton viewed Ofori’s inclusion as a strategic move, not just for his experience and leadership qualities, but also as a way to help the former Orlando Pirates shot-stopper bounce back and possibly secure a new club deal after the tournament.
“We were preparing for a Medeama game in Tamale when Coach Hughton called,” Kyei said. “He applauded my performances and told me I was on the standby list. He explained that if any goalkeeper had to be dropped, it would have been Richard Ofori.
But because of Ofori’s leadership and the hope that he could use the tournament to regain form and attract club interest, they kept him.”
Kyei added that while it was disappointing, he respected the decision.
“It was during the Christmas period, and I wished him well too.
I told him I understood; he’s the coach and has to make the best choices for the team. Things like this are part of football, especially with national team selections,” he said.
Ghana exited the tournament at the group stage, continuing a run of disappointing AFCON campaigns.
