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AFCON 2019: Profile of Black Stars goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi

Lawrence Ati Zigi is one of three goalkeepers to have been selected as part of the Black Stars’ 23-man squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Lawrence Ati Zigi

The young goalkeeper has rarely been afforded an opportunity at the national team level since making his debut a year ago. Ati has been capped just once – during a 2-2 international friendly draw with Iceland last July.

Since then, he has often been the third-choice goalie for the Black Stars, serving as an understudy to no.1 Richard Ofori.

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Ati is also a product of the Red Bull Ghana Academy, now known as the West African Football Academy (WAFA).

The 22-year-old first made a move to Europe in January 2015, joining Austrian second-tier side FC Liefering. After two years at the club, the goalkeeper was signed by top-tier side Red Bull Salzburg.

Although the Ghanaian never got to make a senior appearance for the Austrian giants, he constantly played in their youth team.

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Frustrated by a lack of playing time at senior level, Ati opted to join French side Sochaux FC in the summer of 2017. He has since improved his game time at the Ligue 2 side.

The former WAFA goalie made 11 appearances in all competitions for Sochaux last season, keeping three clean sheets.

Ati may not command a starting position in Egypt, but he is definitely a capable deputy for the Black Stars.

He remains a bright prospect, and the tournament should prepare him for a much bigger role in subsequent AFCONs.

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