Asante Kotoko Confirm Two Players Missing in USA, Fairfax County Police Begin Investigation

• Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko have confirmed two of the players missing ahead of their game against DC United
• The duo, who are from Sudan, are currently on the run with Fairfax police currently investigating the case
• The Porcupine Warriors will be a Ghanaian team in the USA for the Capital City Cup match on October 12, 2024

Asante Kotoko have confirmed two players from their squad in the United States have absconded hours before their game against DC United in the Capital City Cup.

The two players, both foreign nationals, left camp without permission and have since not been found.

Esmat AbdalHamid Mohamed and Obdoelkarem Yoouef Yagoub, who both hail from Sudan with part of the few players who secured visas for the game against the MLS outfit.

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Asante Kotoko have reported the case to authorities in the United States with Fairfax County Police investigating the case.

"Asante Kotoko SC regrets to inform our supporters and the public that two players, Esmat AbdalHamid Mohamed and Obdoelkarem Yoouef Yagoub, both Sudanese nationals, are currently missing from the camp," a statement on the official website of the club read.

"The players left the team’s hotel without permission on Friday, 11th October 2024, and all efforts to contact or locate them have been unsuccessful. The club has officially notified law enforcement authorities in the United States and is cooperating fully to ensure their safe return.

"We urge our supporters to remain calm as we work with the relevant authorities."

Ghana's image to suffer internationally

Speaking to US-based Ghanaian journalist, Reuben Obodai, he said the disappearance of the two players will leave a huge dent on Ghana internationally.

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Obodai told Yen.com.gh: "This is a huge embarrassment to Ghana despite the fact that the player that run away are Sudanese. The Ghanaian image in the United States is very respect as they believe we are hardworking a decorum people.

"However, any chance to leave a stain on our reputation could be catastrophic. And in this case, it might end up affecting our chances in the future. If you look at how Kotoko had to struggle to even get visas for their player and for those two to run away, it might have a huge effect on our clubs who earn the rights to play the Capital City Cup match."

Two Asante Kotoko players missing

Earlier, Yen.com.gh reported that two players from Kumasi Asante Kotoko have reportedly absconded after arriving in the United States for the Capital City Cup match against DC United.

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The players, who are Sudanese by citizenship, AbdoelKarem Yagoub and defender Esmat Al Hasan left camp and have not yet been found.

The duo who joined the Porcupine Warriors before the start of the season were reportedly spotted leaving in a parked car in front of the team's hotel.

Source: YEN.com.gh