Finder Sports can exclusively reveal that goalkeeper Fatau Dauda has been dropped from the Black Stars squad expected to play Montenegro in a friendly game on March 5.

The game, which will be played at the City Stadium in Podgorica, forms part of Ghana’s preparations ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil later this year.

It is not exactly clear why Dauda, who was Ghana’s first choice goalie at the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa, has been excluded from the squad; however, it is easy to assume that his lack of first team football at his club side could be a huge contributory factor.

Dauda has been confined to the role of a fringe player at his club Orlando Pirates and has struggled for form and confidence since his big money move from Ghanaian Premier League side AshantiGold to the South African league early last year.

South African goalkeeper Mewiya Senzo’s fine form in the league means Dauda has made only one competitive appearance in the South African league - an appearance that ended in defeat for Orlando Pirates in their 1-0 defeat to Polokwane City, thanks to a Dauda error.

Many football pundits advised Dauda to seek a loan move during the January transfer window, but the 28-year-old was adamant and rather chose to stay and fight for his place in the team.

His inactivity could now prove costly in the face of his exclusion from the Black Stars squad to face Montenegro.

Norwegian-based Adam Kwarasey and Stephen Adams who performed very well with the local Black Stars during the recently ended Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament have been named for the Montenegro friendly ahead of Dauda.

Other players in the squad include Harrison Afful, Daniel Opare, Samuel Inkoom, John Boye, Jerry Akaminko, Jonathan Mensah, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, K. Asamoah, Agyemang Badu, Mubarak Wakaso, Dede Ayew, Kevin Boateng, Asamoah Gyan, Majeed Warris and Jordan Ayew.