Crew block Afful, Mensah from US friendly

Ghana will be without the Columbus Crew SC pair of Harrison Afful and Jonathan Mensah for this evening’s friendly against the United States in Connecticut after they were recalled by their club.

Afful captained Ghana and Mensah started the 1-0 defeat to Mexico last Wednesday, but flew back to their club the following morning in time for today's Major League Soccer meeting against Atlanta United.

Another Columbus player, Mohammed Abu has been allowed to stay on for the match.

With the friendly against the US falling outside the regular FIFA international window, Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah was powerless to prevent the players from leaving.

In their absence, Appiah could start Rashid Sumalia at right-back, with Jerry Akaminko likely to get the nod to partner John Boye in the centre of defence.

— kweseESPN