By Ameenu Shardow
Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Abdoulaye Soulama has confirmed his return to the Burkina Faso national team.
The 29-year-old has been handed a call-up to the Stallionsââ¬â¢ team for an exhibitionà matchà against Benin on May 16 and next monthââ¬â¢s 2014 FIFA World Cup double-header qualifiers against Congo and Gabon.
It is the first time in over three years the agile goalkeeper will join up with his national teammates after falling out with then Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte.
However following Duarteââ¬â¢s departure after the 2012 Nations Cup, Soulama is brimming with excitement ahead of his return to international football.
ââ¬ÅI have received the call up and I will return to the national team,â⬠he told GHANAsoccernet.com.
ââ¬ÅIt is normal because I was with the team before and even captained the side but it feels very good to be back after a long absence.
ââ¬ÅI decided not to go to the national team because of I had a problem with the coach but since he no longer there I am really looking forward to rejoining my teammates.ââ¬
Soulama has evolved into a key member of the Asante Kotoko team since joining from ASFA Yennega in 2007.
He is one of the reasons the club boats of the best defensive record - conceding 12 goals in 26 matches in their first Premier League feat in four years.
Soulama was adjudged Ghanaââ¬â¢s best goalkeeper after the 2007/2008 season.