Sulley Muntari backed for Black Stars return in World Cup playoff against Nigeria amid GPL performances
Hearts of Oak National Chapters Committee Public Relations Officer, Kobby Jones has called for the inclusion of Sulley Muntari in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 World Cup playoff against Nigeria.
The Black Stars play Nigeria in a two-leg encounter to determine which team books a ticket to the World Cup to be staged in Qatar in November.
Sulley Muntari since joining Hearts of Oak in the second transfer window has been impressive for the club.
The 37-year-old won his first trophy as Hearts of Oak defeated Asante Kotoko in the President Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.
The former AC Milan and Inter Milan star also has one assist in his four appearances in the Ghana Premier League.
According to Kobby Jones, the 2010 UEFA Champions League winner has demonstrated he still has what it takes to play at the highest level.
“Sulley Muntari has demonstrated to us that with his age and all that he has achieved in football, he can come to our level and play quality football,”
“With his performance so far, He deserves to be part of the Black Stars, ”
According to reports, Sulley Muntari is being considered by the technical handlers of the Black Stars for a place in the squad.
Coach Otto Addo is expected to announce his squad for the crucial game this week.
Initial return support
Initially, former Chief Executive Officer of Wa All Stars, Oduro Nyarko had called on interim Black Stars coach Otto Addo to include Sulley Ali Muntari in the team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
He said the current form of the Hearts of Oak midfielder should earn him a call up in two crucial games against Nigeria.
In an interview on Sikka FM, Mr. Nyarko said the former AC Milan player’s performance against Asante Kotoko in the President’s Cup should get him the call up.
“Sulley Muntari always give tailored measured passes and he needs to be in the Ghana’s squad which will face Nigeria in the upcoming World Cup Play offs,” he said.
Black Stars goalkeeper trainer Richard Kingson has also stated that a call up for Sulley Muntari is not far-fetched.
“Sulley Muntari did so well and I’m sure it will change the scenario about experienced players joining our local clubs,” he told Hot FM.
“Even though his fitness level is not up there, he was good on the day and surely we can’t rule out a call-up for Black Stars.”
Black Stars interim coach Otto Addo is expected to name his squad for the doubleheader this week.
Ghana host Nigeria in the first leg of the World Cup playoff on March 25 at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium before traveling to Abuja for the second leg on March 29.
Muntari wins first trophy in homeland
Sulley Muntari has won his first trophy at Hearts of Oak after the Phobians were crowned champions of the 2022 Ghana’s Presidential Cup.
The 37-year-old has become the first player to win the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, Serie A, Copa Italia, Italian Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
He returned to the Ghana Premier League this season and has become a key member of Samuel Boadu’s side.
Having started each of the team’s last three matches, Muntari was once again named in the starting line-up against Kotoko in the President’s Cup.
The veteran midfielder lasted for 71 minutes on the pitch and, together with Salim Adam and Nurudeen Abdul-Azeez, largely outplayed their rivals.
Meanwhile, Hearts ended a run of three successive President’s Cup triumphs by Kotoko after beating the Porcupine Warriors 2-1 on Friday evening at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Goals from Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and substitute Patrick Razak saw the Phobians emerge victorious in what was a cagey encounter, ensuring Samuel Boateng’s strike was only good enough for a consolation.
While Hearts enjoyed the larger share of possession, it was Kotoko to had the first opening, Franck Mbella firing his shot into the side net.
Moments later, Richmond Lamptey also went close to scoring but his free header couldn’t find the target as the ball went wide.
Hearts’ best chances in the first half came from Muntari, who tested goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim twice, first from a long-range shot and then from a free-kick.
The game finally sprung into life six minutes into the second half when Afriyie Barnieh broke the deadlock with a low shot.
The Porcupine Warriors thought they had equalised in the 59th minute when Etouga headed the ball into the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
After upping their game and knocking on Hearts’ door, Prosper Narteh Ogun’s side restored parity through substitute Samuel Boateng, whose shot ended at the back of the net after ricocheting off Mohammed Alhassan.
The game looked destined to go into extra time, but a blistering counter-attacking move from the Phobians presented Patrick Razak in a one-on-one chance.
The pacey winger ran over 35 yards across the pitch before dribbling past a hapless Danlad to score the winner to hand Hearts the President’s Cup.
More on Muntari
- Hearts of Oak consistently telling Sulley Muntari their interest in the former Inter and AC Milan star
- Sulley Muntari eyeing move to South Africa Premier Soccer League
- Asante Kotoko leading Hearts of Oak and Kaizer Chiefs in race to sign Muntari and Gyan
- Big blow for PSL clubs after Muntari demanding R15 million salary for move
- Hearts of Oak complete signing of Sulley Muntari as unveiling of former Inter and Milan midfielder to take place on Tuesday
- What has been said imminently on Sulley Muntari move to GPL side Hearts of Oak amid chances of failure
