Attempts to locate missing players have failed – Kotoko confirms disappearance of Sudanese duo

Kumasi Asante Kotoko has officially confirmed that two Sudanese players are currently missing from the team’s camp in the United States of America (USA).

Sudanese duo Esmat Abdal Hamid Mohammed and Obdoetkarem Yousef Yagoub left the team hotel in the US without permission.

Some Kotoko players were expected to join a selected Ghanaian squad for a ceremonial match against DC United later on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

A statement from the club read: “Asante Kotoko SC regrets to inform our supporters and the public that two players, Esmat Abdal Hamid Mohammed and Obdoetkarem Yousef Yagoub, both Sudanese nationals, are currently missing from the camp. The players left the team hotel without permission on Friday, October 11, 2024, and all attempts to contact or locate them were unsuccessful. The club has officially notified law enforcement authorities in the United States and is fully cooperating to ensure their safe return. We urge our supporters to remain calm as we work with the relevant authorities.”

It is worth noting that the majority of Asante Kotoko players were denied visas to participate in the match against DC United, while only seven players were granted visas.

In an earlier statement, Asante Kotoko said organizers had assured them that visa issues would be resolved, which would result in seven players departing for the US on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

However, due to the visa challenges, Kotoko officially withdrew from the competition. The remaining five Kotoko players are expected to join a selected Ghanaian squad to play against DC United later on Saturday.

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