Mubarak Wakaso to captain Black Stars in Ayew, Partey asbsence for South Africas clash

Ghana midfielder Mubarak Wakaso will wear the captain’s armband in the absence of Andre Ayew and Thomas Partey for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome.The doubleheader comes off later this month with the Black Stars set to be without some key players based in Europe due to COVID-19 travel protocols.As part of the UK COVID-19 protocols, all elite athletes may have to quarantine for 10 days after their return meaning Swansea City star Andre Ayew, Crystal Palace duo Jordan Ayew and Jeffrey Schlupp, Arsenals Thomas Partey, Brentfords Tariq Fosu, Southamptons Mohammed Salisu, Leicester Citys Daniel Amartey, Andy Yiadom who ply their trade in that region may not be released by their clubs.Black Stars captain Andre Ayew and deputy captain Thomas Partey are likely to miss the game because their clubs (Swansea City and Arsenal) are unwilling to release the duo for the trip to South Africa which is on the red list of the United Kingdom.The duo has been key for their respective clubs in the ongoing campaign and their coaches are being reluctant on releasing them for the AFCON qualifiers.Mubarak Wakaso, a senior player in the current squad, is likely to captain the team for the doubleheader in the absence of the two stars.The former Deportivo Alaves midfielder has been training with the team for weeks.Wakaso has been home in his native country since his team Jiangsu Suning ceased operations a few weeks ago.The 30-year old captained the Black Stars in Wednesday friendly game against Legon Cities in that 3-1 win at the Accra Sports Stadium.