Yet-to-be-capped Ghana international Awal Mohammed

By Ameenu Shardow

Awal Mohammed has revealed he almost killed himself with excitement on his call up to the provisional Ghana squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 24-year-old was a surprise inclusion in coach Akwasi Appiah’s 26-man squad for the tournament which kicks off early next year in South Africa.

The Maritzburg United defender was believed to have missed the opportunity to be part of the Black Stars squad after failing to honour his debut call in the friendly game against Cape Verde.

This was after he was unable to secure a travelling visa for last month’s friendly played in Portugal.

He nevertheless made the provisional cut as the team heads to Abu Dhabi for the pre-Nations Cup training camp – further buttressing the faith reposed in him by the Black Stars’ technical team.

Describing his call as the biggest achievement of his career so far, Awal revealed he almost died of excitement in disbelief after news broke of his invitation.

“It was a surprise to me because you know Ghana has very good players inside and outside the country,” he told GHANAsoccernet.com in an extensive video interview to be published soon.

“When they called me, I was crazy, I wanted to kill myself.

“It is too much for me. Me to be called into the national team for Nations Cup?

“In 26-man squad for training tour in Dubai (Abu Dhabi)? Is too much for me.”

The ex Asante Kotoko player could be further blown away if he manages to make the final cut for next year’s showpiece in South Africa.

It will be an intense contest for places in the final Black Stars squad especially in the central defensive area where the numbers are more saturated.

Ghana is drawn in Group B which will be based in Port Elizabeth alongside Mali, Niger and DR Congo.

The Black Stars open their campaign against the Congolese on January 20 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The full exclusive video interview with Awal Mohammed will be published soon