Ghana handed Joseph Paintsil blow

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Sep 06, 2023. 14:11

Ghana international Joseph Paintsil has been granted permission by the Black Stars’ technical team to return to his Belgian club, RKC Genk.

This comes after the 25-year-old winger sustained an injury during the Belgian Pro League game against Anderlecht last weekend and he was allowed to travel to Ghana for international duty.

However, Paintsil won’t be able to participate in Thursday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Central African Republic as the Black Stars look to qualify for the finals.

The Ghanaian Football Association issued the following statement regarding the dreadlocked player.

“The Technical team of the Black Stars has granted Joseph Paintsil permission to return to his club in Belgium due to injury,” a statement read.

“The winger sustained the injury in the last period of his League game against Anderlecht on Sunday and was later substituted – forcing him to withdraw from Thursday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Central African Republic.

“The player will return to his club immediately to commence rehabilitation. That leaves Chris Hughton with 24 players to prepare for the match on Thursday.”

A win or draw against the Central African Republic would see Ghana qualify for the 2023 AFCON finals to be hosted by Ivory Coast early next year.