Friction in the Ghana squad

Ghana's star man Michael Essien has slammed the local FA for excluding Sulley Muntari from the squad, that's set to start fighting for African Cup of Nations glory on 10 January.

Disciplinary reasons was why Muntari was overlooked by manager Milovan Rajevac. As a matter of fact, there was even a meeting set up for the two to meet and iron out their differences, but after Rajevic made trip to Italy, where Muntari's club Inter Milan is based, the midfielder refused to meet him.

Understandably so, the man, who helped his team to 3rd place in the last African Cup of Nations, has now been axed from the squad. This has upset his midfield partner Michael Essien.

"We are in one of the toughest groups this January and it is very important we go with all our experienced and valuable players to win the Cup and prepare us for the World Cup. Sulley Muntari is a world class player, and has obviously gained a lot of experience from playing in Europe. He has worked so hard in the past for the Black Stars and I remember at the last African Cup, Sulley and I suffered from malaria, and yet we played our hearts out for the country we love so much," said Essien to Muntari's defence.

The Chelsea man also questioned why the same rules doesn't apply to all team members, asking: "Three players didn't show up in Angola for the recent friendly and we have been embarrassed and punished for this. However I wonder why Sulley has been the only one of the three excluded from the team?"

Certainly it's not good news for the Black Stars. With selection limited, you'd want to have your best players in the team and if the disciplinary problems don't carry on to the pitch, then why not forgive the player? Though, to be fair, it was a bit childish from Muntari to ignore his manager, when they were set to meet. Plus, his relationship with the FA has been rocky for years now.

Only time will tell if Muntari has now also set him up for the absence from World Cup 2010. At least he's apologized for his actions.