Mohammed Kudus not eligible to play at 2023 U-23 AFCON

Ajax star, Mohammed Kudus, is not eligible to play for the Black Meteors at the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 22-year-old was born on August 2, 2000, a date just outside the Confederation of African Football’s January 1, 2001 or later cut point.

There were suggestions as to whether Ibrahim Tanko should include the Black Stars attacker in his squad for this year’s U-23 AFCON to be hosted in Morocco in June.

Ibrahim Tanko ruled out the possibility of having Kudus in his squad but revealed he is open to adding other quality players to the team for the Olympic qualifying tournament.

“I think Kudus cannot play in U-23 AFCON but we are looking at inviting good and quality players to come and help us,” he said after the game.

“If only it’s a FIFA date; I think it’s the end of the season so we will have more of them.”

Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, was also hopeful Mohammed Kudus could make the Black Meteors squad to boost their Olympic Games qualification chances, but he is ineligible.

“I think we have a very good squad. Likely, we will have the tournament at the end of the season,” he told Asempa FM.

“If we are able to get all our U-23 players who are still available; from Kudus to Kamaldeen, Abdul Salis, Afena-Gyan and all players who play for the Black Stars, [we could qualify for the Olympic Games].”

The Black Meteors sealed their AFCON qualification at Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Tuesday after beating Algeria 1-0 to progress 2-1 on aggregate.

Source: myjoyonline