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“We conducted three tests” – GFA reacts after 7 Black Stars players contract COVID-19

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has issued a riposte after seven Black Stars players tested positive for COVID-19 after the international break.

“We conducted three tests – GFA reacts after 7 Black Stars players contract COVID-19

The Black Stars played two international friendlies against Mali and Qatar during the October international break.

Ghana lost 3-0 to Mali in the first friendly, but recovered superbly to defeat Qatar 5-1 in the next game.

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However, several members of the squad have since been found to have tested positive for COVID-19 after returning to their clubs.

These include Jordan Ayew, Caleb Ekuban, Kassim Nuhu, Joseph Aidoo, Bernard Mensah and Gideon Mensah.

The GFA has, however, rejected claims that its negligence is what has caused the mass spread of the virus.

In a statement, the FA said it conducted three tests on the players, two of which were before the matches of against Mali and Qatar.

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Red the full statement below:

We are informed that some of our Black Stars players have tested positive for Corona virus following their involvement in Ghana’s friendly games against Mali (October 09) and Qatar (October 12).

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) contingent adhered to all the strict COVID-19 protocols, before, during and after our stay in Turkey. A minimum of three tests were conducted on players, technical and management team members during the training camp in Antalya.

The first test was conducted 24Hrs prior to the game against Mali where one team official tested positive for the virus and was immediately isolated from the group. With just about an hour to the start of the game against Mali, the Ghana team Doctors, together with Turkish Health officials conducted another round of tests in the dressing rooms of both Ghana and Mali before kick-off.

The 3rd set of tests were carried out 24Hrs before the second game against Qatar and again, no single positive case was recorded.

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Furthermore, officials and management committee members of the National Team underwent another test on Thursday, October 15, 24Hrs before flying out of Turkey, this time, one technical team member tested positive for the virus and was immediately isolated from the group, ruling him out of the trip to Ghana.

The GFA ensured all FIFA Covid-19 protocols were strictly adhered to throughout the National Team’s engagement and it is quite a concern that some members of the team have subsequently tested positive for the virus.

The GFA will continue to monitor the situation and will provide all necessary support to the affected players while wishing them a speedy recovery.

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