Medeama SC goalkeeper Felix Kyei has shed light on the decision to include Richard Ofori in Ghana’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted in Ivory Coast, despite Ofori’s limited playing time leading up to the tournament.
Kyei, who was placed on the standby list for the Black Stars, explained that Ofori’s selection was partly influenced by a desire to help him revive his career and attract a new club after the competition.
In an interview with Medeama FM, the 22-year-old revealed a conversation he had with then-Black Stars coach Chris Hughton before the team departed for the tournament.
“We were preparing to leave for AFCON, and I was also getting ready to play a match in Tamale with Medeama. That’s when I received a call from Coach Hughton,” Kyei recounted. “He praised my performances and told me I was on the standby list. He said I could be called up if anything happened before the tournament started.”
Kyei went on to share that Hughton was candid about the selection process.
“He told me that if there was any goalkeeper to be dropped, it would have been Richard Ofori. But due to Ofori’s leadership qualities and other considerations, they decided to keep him in the squad. I also learned that part of the reason for his inclusion was to help him rebuild his confidence and possibly secure a new club through the exposure at AFCON.”
Despite the disappointment of missing out, Kyei said he held no grudges.
“It was around Christmas time, and Coach Hughton wished me well. I told him I understood. He’s the head coach, and he has to make the best decisions for the team. These things happen — it’s part of being in football and the national team.”
Ghana’s AFCON campaign ended at the group stage, prompting widespread criticism and calls for restructuring within the national team setup.
