Francis Dickoh Ready to Give Up on Ghana

Poor Francis Dickoh. Eighteen months ago, the Danish born Ghanaian defender played for the Black Stars before, after, but not during World Cup 2006. Still, he thought, there’s always the African Cup of Nations in 2008. Except there wasn’t, as Dickoh has once again been left out of Claude Le Roy’s final 23-man squad for the tournament. The Utrecht defender has apparently been in good form for Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie, and is unhappy enough at his exclusion to give up on Ghana altogether.

“I am shocked and extremely disappointed that I was excluded from my country’s final squad for the Cup of Nations,” Dickoh told the BBC.”Now I am considering my future with the national team because I think I deserve a place in the 23-man squad. I don’t know if I will return to the team under this coach or any other coach in future. I need to think over it properly.”

Another big name left out of the Black Stars squad is Matthew Amoah, formerly of Borussia Dortmund. He had a rough time in Germany, but his recent move to Holland with NAC Breda has brought 6 goals in 12 games. But still no African Cup of Nations place. Le Roy did include injured midfielder Laryea Kingston in gsi 23 though, so that must make Dickoh and Amoah extra happy.