By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR), Oct 7, GNA – The technical handlers of the senior male national Beach Soccer team, Black Sharks, have announced a 17-man provisional squad ahead of this year’s CAF African Cup of Nations (AFCON) that would be held in Hurghada, Egypt from October 19 to 26.
The squad includes three goalkeepers, five defenders, nine strikers from fourteen teams that have participated in the recently ended 2024 Beach Soccer Premiere league.
The three goalkeepers called include in-formed and experienced Robert Nyadedzor and Prince Martei, both of Sea Sharks Beach Soccer Club and Daniel Kudodah of Cheetah Beach Soccer Club.
The defenders include Precious Torgbor of Havedzi Might Warriors BSC, Reuben Semabia Larli of Keta Sunset Sports,Joseph Awunisie of Sea Sharks as well as prolific and versatile player Kini Ticor and Paa Kwesi Hagan both from Cheetah BSC.
Richmond Mitsimawu Tsordzine and Torsu Alfred of Cheetah BSC, Theophilus Ahulu and Alexander Adjei of Sea Shark, and Richard Martei Osai of Layoca BSC were among the strikers called.
The rest of the strikers include Wise Nyamadians Eric Kpogo both of Vodza Iron Breakers, Eugene Dekpe of Keta Sunset Sports and Paul Arthur of Nungua BSC concluded the list of players.
Mr Reuben Dzidodo Adjahoe, the Volta Regional Football Association Beach Soccer Committee Chair, told the Ghana News Agency that the team would regroup for camping at Keta in the Volta region.
“The team will camp at Keta to October 15 before leaving for the main AFCON tournament in Egypt,” he stated.
The Black Sharks of Ghana pick the AFCON slot after beating Sand Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire in a 10-5 Aggregate during home and away qualification matches.
The Black Sharks were housed in group A of the AFCON alongside the host nation Egypt, Morocco, and Tanzania whilst group B made up of defending champions Senegal, Mozambique, Malawi, and Mauritania.
Some sports journalist GNA interviewed at Keta expressed worry about how Black Sharks could not open camp earlier for adequate training and preparation before the commencement of the AFCON tournament.
GNA