The hopes of Black Stars head coach, Fred Osam-Duodu, to beef up his team for next Wednesday’s international friendly against Mali were dashed when some foreign-based players who featured prominently in his plans signalled their inability to fly down for the match.

To his utter dismay, most of the players contacted only indicated their preparedness to join the team in the final leg tour of Spain and Egypt due to some club commitments.

Bursting out his frustration to the Graphic Sports in a chat on Thursday, coach Osam-Duodo indicated his desire to feature some of the foreign-based players against Mali in order to have an opportunity to assess them.

Contrary to his expectations, however, only two players-Panathinaikos star, Derek Boateng and Austria-based strong defender Kofi Amponsah-will be available for Wednesday’s match. The two, according to coach Osam Doudu, are expected to join their colleagues this weekend ahead of the star’s departure for Bamako on Monday.

For Osam Doudu, his main pre-occupation in the upcoming friendly is to strengthen his defensive network, which is why he has regrets about the absence of George Blay, John Mensah, and Christian Atta Gyan-especially.

In the case of John Mensah of Italian Serial B side Genoa, the veteran coach was very much upset after various interactions with the team’s coach for the player’s release proved futile.