Felix Kyei: Medeama keeper makes 'damning' revelation about AFCON 2023 snub

Photo Credit - Ghana Football Association.

Medeama goalkeeper Felix Kyei has made a painful revelation about how he was excluded from the Black Stars squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament hosted in Ivory Coast last year.

The 22-year-old was placed on the stand-by list of the Black Stars squad but was eventually omitted from the final team for the tournament which was won by hosts Ivory Coast.

Kyei indicated on Medeama FM that a conversation with the then Black Stars coach Chris Hughton opened the Pandora’s Box on why he was dropped for current Chippa United goalkeeper Richard Ofori who was struggling for game time at former club Orlando Pirates.

“We were about leaving for Ivory Coast for AFCON, and at the same time, I had a match at Tamale with Medeama. One day, I received a call from the then Black Stars coach, Chris Hughton, and he commended me for my performance and urged me to keep my performance.

“He told me I’m on the standby lists for the AFCON and that, I will be invited in case there is any unfortunate incident before the start of the tournament”

“Hughton told me if he has to drop any goalkeeper, it should be Richard Ofori but because of his leadership roles and other stuff he has to be included in the team. Again, I was told Ofori’s inclusion was to help him regain his confidence and also use the tournament as a springboard to get a new club.”

“It was a Christmas, so Hughton wished me well and I told him I have no qualms since he is the head coach and knows what’s best for the team. It’s normal, anything can happen during national team call-ups” he added.

Felix Kyei was a key member for Medeama SC, who finished 8th on 50 points – making 16 appearances, conceding 19 goals with five clean sheets at the end of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season.