Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko have confirmed that two of their players are missing from their camp in the United States of America (USA) while preparing for their ceremonial game against DC United.

In a statement released on Saturday, October 12, 2024 the club noted that the players left the team's hotel without permission on Friday, October 11, 2024.

The club further stated that they have informed authorities in the USA, who have begun the search for the missing players.

"Asante Kotoko SC regrets to inform our supporters and the public that two players, Esmat AbdalHamid Mohamed and Obdoelkarem Yoouef Yagoub, both Sudanese nationals, are currently missing from the camp," they wrote in a statement released on their website.

"The players left the team’s hotel without permission on Friday, 11th October 2024, and all efforts to contact or locate them have been unsuccessful. The club has officially notified law enforcement authorities in the United States and is cooperating fully to ensure their safe return," they added.

Reports suggest that the team discovered the players had sneaked out of their hotel through CCTV footage, which captured them being picked up by a car.

The Sudanese duo were part of the nine players and five officials who departed for the USA on October 9, 2024, for the game.

Kotoko encountered visa issues before their trip, with several players being denied visas, resulting in their 32-man contingent being trimmed down to 18.

Due to the small squad size, Kotoko agreed to team up with a Ghanaian select side in the USA to form a team for the match on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

EE/MA