Emmanuel Gyamfi is back in training for Asante Kotoko ahead of Sunday’s crucial penultimate Group C fixture of the 2018/19 Caf Confederation Cup against Al-Hilal.
Head coach CK Akonnor was resigned to losing his influential winger who limped off with a heavy knock after scoring in their last game against Nkana FC.
“…Yes [it is highly likely he wouldn’t be available against Hilal] and we have started already [thinking about his ultimate replacement for Sunday].
“It’s a worry to replace Gyamfi but we will have to find a way of doing it, a way that will help us to win the game,” the Kotoko trainer had said days ago.
But Gyamfi was in action at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday, as the Porcupine Warriors held their last but one training session before taking on Hilal.
Revealing the surprise turnaround in fitness for the 22-year-old, Kotoko’s Accra rep Edmund Ackah told Oyerepa FM:
“With the spate of injuries, we saw the need to beef up the medical team and we’ve had new members brought in from Accra since Tuesday. Now, we’ve set up a medical room in camp where the players get instant attention…
“Because of these measures, you would be shocked Gyamfi is back on his feet at the training grounds today [Friday]. The coach called to say the medics have indicated that he can be ready to play on Sunday so he would observe him in training…”
Gyamfi’s possible availability comes as a huge relief for the Kotoko technical bench who appeared troubled in finding a perfect replacement for their joint top scorer in the Confederation Cup. The Porcupine Warriors, however, still have Richard Senanu and Maxwell Baakoh ruled out.
Asante Kotoko will hold their final and mandatory training session at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium 9am Saturday.
Sunday’s game kicks off 16:00 GMT.
