Ghana’s hopes of retaining the Africa Youth Championship title suffered a severe blow on Monday when Marseille refused to release midfielder Jordan Ayew for the tournament.
The 19-year-old, son of legend Abedi Pele, was expected to play a key role for the Black Satellites at the tournament in South Africa.
Ayew has been a bit part player for Marseille who are chasing this year’s season’s title which sparked hopes that he could be freed to play for Ghana's U20 side.
But with the French champions trailing Lille by three points, coach Didier Deschamps insists he needs all his players for the onslaught on the leaders.
Despite the absence of Ayew, Jordan Anagbla chairman of the Black Satellites management is confident there are capable replacements in the team.
“I have told Jordan not to worry about Marseille decision not to release him for the tournament,†Anagbla said.
“We have equally capable players in the squad who can help Ghana win the title and qualify for the World Cup in Columbia.
“We are confident we can achieve success even without Jordan so we are not too worried about this development from Marseille.
Ayew becomes the third Europe-based player who will not be released by their club to play for the Black Satellites.
Ghana have already been denied the services of Italy-based duo Daniel Kofi Agyei  of Fiorentina and Palermo’s Afriyie Acquah.
Jordan’s elder brother Andre captained Ghana to win the last edition of the championship in Rwanda two years ago.