Aduana Stars striker Yahaya Mohammed has revealed that an injury he picked during the pre-season prevented him from making the 18-man squad that will leave Ghana on Thursday for Egypt ahead of the Caf Champions League preliminary round fixture against Al Tahady on Sunday.
After mutually terminating his contract, the 28-year-old re-joined Aduana in a three-year deal from Tanzanian side Azam FC in December.
"I couldn't join the team early for preseason because I had to attend to some family issues. When I joined later, I picked an injury and was compelled to play in G8 pre-season tournament against Kotoko and that worsened my situation," Yahaya told Oyerepa FM.
"My absence from the team has nothing to do with my current form. It is rather mainly because of an injury. No coach in the world can overlook a fit Yahaya Mohammed ahead of a crucial game like this," he said.
Yahaya also advised his teammates against complacency to avoid conceding goals.
"We have to guide against complacency since it is a two legged affair. If we are able to prevent them from scoring more goals or even a goal, it will make the return leg a bit scary for them," Yahaya said.
"The Libyan club like to possess the ball for quite a long time and rely on counterattack as well when under pressure. With good mentality and dedication, we can have a good scoreline in Egypt," he added.
Aduana will host Tahady in the return leg on February 21 at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa Ahenkro.