Francis Amuzu of RSC Anderlecht has been granted approval by Fifa to represent Ghana internationally instead of Belgium.
The 23-year-old winger was born to Ghanaian parents in Accra before moving to hone his skills in the European country at an early age.
His father is ex-Hearts of Oak midfielder Theophilus Amuzu who was a member of the famous 1999 ‘Aben Waha’ Ghana U-20 team.
Francis represented Belgium at the U-19 and U-21 levels. But he was yet to turn out for the seniors despite earning a call-up to the Red Devils squad for Uefa Nations League games against Wales and the Netherlands in September 2022.
Justifying his decision to switch to Ghana, Francis is quoted by 3Sports as writing in a letter to the world’s football governing body:
“The motivation behind this decision is that I deem it an obligation to play for my mother country since my parents are Ghanaian.”
Francis has had his wish granted bringing an end to a pursuit that started under ex-Black Stars coach Kwasi Appiah. Although he was expected to make the Black Stars squad for Afcon 2019, that did not happen. As soon as C.K. Akonnor assumed the Black Stars mantle early in 2020, he met with the player in person.
Francis hogged the headlines in May 2022 when he was quoted in an interview as declaring his preference for Belgium over Ghana.
Ghana call my agent every day but my heart is with Belgium – Francis Amuzu
The player however retreated after receiving a massive backlash for the comments made.
I would like to make an official statement regarding false comments that have been circulating the media today regarding the Black Stars🇬🇭⚽️I have massive respect for my country of birth and I love my country Ghana. I will never disrespect the country,GFA or the amazing fans🇬🇭⚽️
— Francisamuzu (@francisamuzu40) May 24, 2022
Later in October, Francis declared he would not close doors for an opportunity to play for the Black Stars at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
“Ghana or the Devils? It’s still 50-50”
“Yes, I was in the Roberto Martinez pre-selection for the last international matches. Going with Ghana to the World Cup? It’s possible, but I don’t know.”
Ghana did not pursue their interest in the player for the Mundial, and neither did Belgium include him in their squad.
Francis Amuzu – who has three goals and two assists so far this season for Anderlecht – can now look forward to being considered for Ghana call-ups. The Black Stars are back on international duties with the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers later in March.
