In an unexpected turn of events, the Ghana Tourism Board Authority has canceled the travel tickets of five key Medeama SC players who were slated to join Asante Kotoko SC for their much-anticipated friendly against Major League Soccer (MLS) side DC United. The players affected by this decision are Appiah Kubi, Felix Kyei, Osae Tetteh Bernardino, and Kamaradin Mamudu.
Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana’s most successful football clubs, had been preparing for an international friendly match with DC United. To bolster their squad for this high-profile encounter, Asante Kotoko arranged for the inclusion of these talented Medeama SC players, who were expected to add depth and quality to the team.
The cancellation of the players’ tickets has caused widespread confusion and disappointment among fans and football stakeholders alike. According to reports, the Ghana Tourism Board had been involved in facilitating the trip, as the match was seen as an opportunity to showcase Ghana’s football talent on the global stage, while also promoting the country as a tourist destination. However, the exact reasons behind the sudden withdrawal of support remain unclear.
Some speculate that internal administrative challenges or disputes over sponsorship could have played a role in the decision. Others suggest it may be related to broader concerns over the involvement of multiple clubs in a single friendly match, especially one that involves traveling abroad.
For Asante Kotoko, the absence of these players is a significant setback, as they had hoped to field a stronger side against DC United. The club’s technical team will now need to re-strategize and possibly rely on their core squad members to face the American side.
For Medeama SC, this development may also affect the morale of the players who were looking forward to gaining international exposure
It remains to be seen if Asante Kotoko will seek alternative arrangements or whether the Tourism Board will reconsider its decision. Both clubs are expected to release statements addressing the issue, and fans are eagerly awaiting further updates.
This situation also raises broader questions about the role of national institutions in supporting local football clubs for international engagements, especially when such matches offer opportunities for Ghanaian football to be promoted on the world stage.