Ghana’s Under-20 team have been dealt a severe blow after Italy-based duo Afriyie Acquah and Daniel Kofi Agyei were ruled out of this month’s African Youth Championship.

Their clubs have officially written to the Ghana FA stating their nonnegotiable decisions to release their budding talents for the competition which is not approved on the Fifa calendar.

Palermo’s Acquah has been promoted to the first team and has made some cameo appearances in the top flight.

Delio Rossi who was reinstated as head coach of the side has plans for the youngster whose midfield acumen has earned rave reviews in the peninsula.

The 19-year-old played a pivotal role in Ghana’s qualification.

Midfielder Agyei, who has been likened to Michael Essien by Ghana Under-20 coach Orlando Wellington, is regarded as a back-up for Fiorentina.

In September last year, he was voted the best player at the 42nd Torneo Citta di Vignola, youth tournament in Italy, after helping his side win the trophy.

The duo were among 10 foreign-based players expected to join the squad in Kenya for camping.

The Black Satellites technical team is yet to decide which players will replace them.

The African Youth Championship will be held from 17 April to 1 May in Johannesburg, South Africa.