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Soccer News of Tuesday, 11 August 2009

Source: Ghanasoccernet

More players handed late Black Stars calls

Denmark-born Ghanaian defender Francis Dickoh is among several players who have been given late call-ups to the Black Stars because of injuries and visa problems. Junior Agogo, who was also not part of coach Milovan Rajevac's original 18-man has to return from his Cyprus base to join the squad.

Prince Buaben, Chris Dickson, Kwame Quansah and goalkeeper William Amamoo were all given last minute calls.

This comes after the withdrawal of several players because of visa problems while goalkeeper Richard Kingston's back problems seem to have reared its ugly head.

Germany-based duo of Prince Tagoe and Isaac Vorsah were unable to secure visas while others like Samuel Inkoom and Harrison Afful suffered a similar fate.

But players the key players like captain Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, John Pantsil, Eric Addo and John Mensah are all available.

English side Charlton Athletic have confirmed that their Ghanaian duo of Chris Dickson and Lloyd Sam have been given late invites.

Frontman Dickson, who has one cap to his name, will join the likes of Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari in East London, but Charlton manager Phil Parkinson said Sam will not make the short trip.

He confirmed: "Both have been called up. Dicko's gone but Lloyd has been suffering with a patella injury and that's why we brought him off on Saturday. We need to protect him this week so he'll be staying with us.”

Most of the players who were given the late call-ups will not have problems arriving in the UK as some hold European passports.

Dickoh has not played for Ghana since lashing out at former coach Claude Leroy and GFA officials after being dropped from the 2008 Africa Cup Nations squad.

He had complained that even though he was fully fit he was dropped for the crocked Shilla Illiasu who could not even play during the tournament because of the injury.