“I was dropped for AFCON 2023 because of Richard Ofori”- Felix Kyei

Medeama SC goalkeeper Felix Kyei has opened up about the events leading to his exclusion from Ghana’s final squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Ivory Coast, despite enjoying an impressive run of form in the Ghana Premier League.

Kyei, considered one of the brightest young talents between the posts in the local league, was initially named on the Black Stars’ standby list. However, he was eventually dropped from the final selection for the continental showpiece.

Speaking in an interview with Medeama FM, the shot-stopper recounted how then-Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton personally communicated the decision to him, citing experience and leadership as the primary factors behind the selection of Richard Ofori.

We were about to leave for Ivory Coast for AFCON, and at the same time, I had a match in Tamale with Medeama,” Kyei narrated. “One day, I received a call from Coach Chris Hughton. He praised my performances and encouraged me to keep working hard. He told me I was on the standby list and would be invited if there were any unfortunate incidents.”

According to Kyei, Hughton made it clear that he would have preferred to include the Medeama goalkeeper in the final squad, but was overruled due to Ofori’s standing in the team.

“Hughton told me that if he had to drop any goalkeeper, it would have been Ofori. But because of Ofori’s leadership and other reasons, including helping him regain his confidence and use the tournament as a springboard to find a new club, he had to include him,” Kyei disclosed.

Despite the setback, the young goalkeeper said he respected the coach’s judgment and took the decision in stride.

“It was Christmas, and Hughton wished me well. I told him I had no problem with his decision since he’s the head coach and knows what’s best for the team. It’s normal—anything can happen during a national team call-up.”

Ghana’s campaign in the tournament ended in disappointment as the Black Stars crashed out at the group stage, prompting the Ghana Football Association to part ways with Hughton shortly after. Notably, Richard Ofori has not received another call-up to the national team since the tournament.

Kyei remains focused on continuing his rise in Ghanaian football and is tipped for future opportunities with the Black Stars.