OVERLOOKED ex-Ghana captain John Mensah returns to action to guide FC Nitra in Slovakian top-flight

Published on: 01 June 2014
OVERLOOKED ex-Ghana captain John Mensah returns to action to guide FC Nitra in Slovakian top-flight
John Mensah returned to action in Slovakia

By Akyereko Frimpong Manson

Follow Akyereko on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial

Just on the day Ghana lost central defender Jerry Akaminko to a heartbreaking ankle injury, former captain and influential defender John Mensah made a return from a long-term injury lay-off and played full throttle. 

The experienced 31-year-old former Sunderland defender had not played since mid-March after aggravating his nagging back injury while in action for his club.

Mensah's exclusion from the Ghana squad for the 2014 World Cup was entirely based on his fitness level and lack of regular action but after playing part in last weekend's game for Nitra, the former Olympique Lyon man was strong in central defence as he marshalled the backline and helped them manage a crucial home win.

Concerns have been raised about the credibility of the Ghana central defence after Jerry Akaminko was lost to injury during the 1-0 reverse against the Netherlands in the pre-World Cup friendly on Saturday.

However, Kwesi Appiah's decision not to replace the Turkish-based defender with a natural center-back leaves him with only three options - John Boye, Jonathan Mensah and the slightly inexperienced and aggressive Rashid Sumaila.

Asante Kotoko defender Kwabena Adusei was included in the four-man standby list but was not called up as replacement for the crocked Akaminko.

A section of the Ghana fans believe, Kwesi Appiah could have handed a late call-up to John Mensah as he has returned to action and enjoying playing time once more.

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