Michael Essien Apologizes For Skipping Ghana Friendly

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has apologized to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for going AWOL before an international friendly against Angola.

The vice-president of the GFA and chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, Fred Pappoe, also confirmed another truant player for that same tournament, striker Asamoah Gyan has also pleaded for forgiveness.

“As I was leaving the FA secretariat yesterday, two players, Essien and Asamoah, had written to apologize for their behavior,” he told Peace Sports.

However, Pappoe could not confirm whether Inter Milan’s Sulley Muntari had also pleaded for clemency.

The trio snubbed the team without any apparent reason in an international friendly against 2010 Africa Nations Cup host Angola on November 18.

The Ghana FA in a statement said it would begin investigation into the issue and would sanction the three regulars if they were found culpable.

However, former Ghanaian international Mohammed Polo said the West African nation would shoot itself in the foot if it decides to axe the trio from the national team.

"Even if they erred, it will be suicidal to just sack them from the national team after all that they have done for the nation. That for me also will be travesty of justice.

“There are better ways to deal with the matter than to just dismiss them and tarnish their image.

"But I feel sad for Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan who are not just key players for the Black Stars, but role models for the youth,” Polo told Ghanasoccernet.com.

Meanwhile, Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted that Essien sought permission to miss the friendly game against Angola.

"It is simple. He asked the manager of Ghana if he could avoid the game on Wednesday.

"We gave him a day of rest and it was no problem.

"I didn't speak with the Ghana manager. I spoke only with Essien."

K.N.S. Mensah, Goal.com

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