Two Sudanese football players, Abdulkareem Abdulrahman Yousif and Ismat Abdelhameed Hassan, have reportedly fled their team’s training camp in the United States.
The players were in the country to participate in a friendly match against Major League Soccer’s D.C. United.
According to sports media, surveillance footage from the team hotel showed the duo leaving the premises and getting into a waiting car, with their current whereabouts unknown.
Renowned sports journalist Gary Smith from Ghana commented on the incident, describing it as a significant setback for the team.
“Ismat Hassan, who has been a regular starter for Ashanti Kotoko, was expected to be a key player, especially with the absence of star player Bakheet Khamees,” Smith stated.
Hassan has been on loan from Al-Hilal, a prominent club in Sudan, and has been a consistent figure in the Ghanaian league.
Reports suggest that both players are considering applying for political asylum in the United States.
Abdulkareem Abdulrahman, who plays for Al-Wadi Nyala in Sudan, and Hassan were in the U.S. on loan to Ashanti Kotoko, and their sudden disappearance has raised concerns about their future.
Sources close to the situation have indicated that their absence is a major blow to Ashanti Kotoko, especially given the impressive performances both players had delivered during their loan spells.
The club, along with U.S. authorities, is actively seeking more information on their whereabouts.
Observers believe the incident could have broader implications for Sudanese players aspiring to play internationally.
Concerns are growing that this situation might deter clubs from Africa and the Arab world from recruiting Sudanese talent, fearing a repeat of similar incidents.
“This behavior could potentially harm the prospects of Sudanese players seeking professional opportunities abroad,” remarked one commentator.
“It’s a reminder of the risks clubs may face when offering contracts to foreign players.”
The ongoing search for Abdulkareem Abdulrahman Yousif and Ismat Abdelhameed Hassan has left many questions unanswered, but it has undeniably sparked a conversation about the challenges and uncertainties faced by athletes seeking refuge in foreign countries.
