Former Ghana international Abukari Damba says in-form Felix Annan should be Black Stars No. 2 ahead of Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The 24-year-old is the only the home-based player to be included in the final 23-man squad by coach Kwesi Appiah for the continental football showpiece.
As expected, Richard Ofori will be in post for the Black Stars in the upcoming competition after yet another exceptional season with South African side Maritzburg United, making 30 appearances to help them escape relegation.
On the other hand, Ati-Zigi had a topsy-turvy season at French Ligue 2 side Sochaux Montbéliard where he made 12 appearances in all competitions.
Annan was one of the best players o the local scene after starring for Asante Kotoko during their CAF Confederation Cup campaign as well as the ongoing Special Competition where the Porcupine Warriors have advanced to the semifinals stage.
However, the former WAFA shot-stopper is widely expected to play third fiddle to first-choice Ofori and Ati-Zigi during the tournament.
According to Damba, Annan should move above Ati-Zigi in the pecking order following his consistent display for his club side.
“Left to me, I think Felix Annan should be number two ahead of Ati-Zigi because when it comes to game time, Felix has been more active and competitive,” Damba boldly stated on Happy FM.
“Ati-Zigi is the only goalkeeper I have a problem with because he is not getting playing time at his club. Richard did marvelous during the qualifiers and I am very convinced with his performance over time. Felix Annan on the local scene is the best,” he added.
The Black Stars will face South Africa on June 15 in Dubai before the team departs for Egypt on June 20, 2019.