Strasbourg defender Alexander Djiku gutted over Ghana absence for doubleheader AFCON qualifiers

Alexander DjikuStrasbourg defender Alexander Djiku is disappointed to miss the Black Stars upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa and So Tom and Principe.Djiku has become a key figure at the heart of defense of the West African giants since making his debut last year.The versatile guardsman will however not play a part in the sides doubleheader qualifying games due to fitness issues.He is upset after injury robbed him off another opportunity to represent his now chosen country.Sad not to be with my Black Stars brothers now, but I give you all my strength,” Djiku posted on Twitter.The France-born has featured in all four games played by the Black Stars until now.Born in the French city of Montpellier but of Ghanaian descent, Djiku was eligible to represent either nation at international level.In October last year, he was called up by Ghana for the first time for friendlies against Mali and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar.Playing in defensive midfield, he made his debut in what ended in a 3-0 loss to Mali but returned to his more familiar central defensive role as the Black Stars bounced back with a big 5-1 victory over Asian champions Qatar.He received a second successive invitation for back-to-back matches against Sudan in the Afcon qualifiers last November, going on to feature in both games.Ghana are set to take on South Africa in a penultimate matchday fixture of the qualifiers on Thursday before returning home to square off against Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday.