Kasim Adams and Diadie Samassekou have hardly been in demand at TSG Hoffenheim for some time now. Can the two professionals use the Africa Cup as a showcase?
Well, the basic prerequisites are at least in place, as Adams has been nominated for Ghana’s provisional squad, just like Samassekou for that of his home country Mali. However, the midfielder’s chances of making it into the West African squad, which has a maximum of 27 players, are mixed. Samassekou missed the two most recent international matches, both in the 1-1 draw against the Central African Republic and the 3-1 defeat to Chad in the World Cup qualifiers. The 27-year-old has only made one competitive appearance for the club this season.
Samassekou, who once came from Salzburg for a double-digit million sum, has developed from a beacon of hope to a benchwarmer and a figure in the stands. It was also expensive fun in terms of salary, as the six-man’s annual salary in his original contract in Kraichgau was 2.7 million euros. In the meantime, the contract was extended until 2025 in the course of a loan to Olympiakos Piraeus, which ultimately did not bring the hoped-for breakthrough or at least the interest of other clubs. Mali will face Namibia, South Africa and Tunisia in Group E at the tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
Adams’ chances are better
Ghana start in Group B and fight against Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique for a place in the knockout round. With Adams? Well, the 28-year-old’s chances are much better than those of his club colleague. In the World Cup qualifiers in November, Adams played against the Comoros (0:1) and came on as a substitute in the 1:0 win against Madagascar. And this despite the fact that the central defender was completely sidelined in Hoffenheim’s preliminary round. After all, he was able to gain plenty of match practice during last year’s loan to FC Basel.
The “Black Stars” move into their preparation camp in South Africa this Sunday. National coaches Chris Hughton (Ghana) and Nouhoum Diané (Mali) have until 3 January to decide whether they will take the TSG legionnaires with them to the Ivory Coast – and whether they can then use the Africa Cup as a stage to resolve their less than satisfactory situation at the club
