Home-based Black Stars coach Maxwell Konadu has denied reports he has cut loose experienced goalkeeper Fatau Dauda from his team that will face Ivory Coast.

Dauda, was left out of the team that battled from a goal down to beat the Elephant’s by 2-1 in the first leg of their CHAN qualifier in Kumasi due to late arrival in camp from his participation in Ghana’s friendly against Canada in Washington.

The former Orlando Pirates man who skippers the home based side has however been unable to train fully with the team since his return, fuelling speculations that he will fall casualty in the final squad that will travel to Abidjan later this week.

But Maxwell Konadu who is head coach of the team claims Dauda is his skipper and a key part of the team.

“I am very surprised you are asking me this question because Lion [Fatau Dauda] is my skipper and I am heading to training with him as we speak,” Maxwell Konadu told GHANAsoccernet.com

“And If you want to talk to him I will let you because I do not get where this is coming from.”

“He is the skipper of the this team and he is very much a key part of us.”

Ghana needed two goals from Asokwa Deportivo striker Joel Fameyah to secure a come from behind 2-1 victory over the Elephants and will have to at least get a draw in Abidjan next week to reach the CHAN competition next year.