Ghana-born Kofi Danning, has been given official permission to pursue his dream to play for Australia, according to the country’s Football Association.

The 18-year-old striker, who plays in Australia’s A-League, was given the green light by football’s governing body Fifa.

He is now eligible to play for his adopted country at next month’s Under-20 World Cup in Egypt.

“It means everything to me, it’s my dream to play for Australia,” he said.

“I’ve been here most of my life and I’ve just been waiting for the all-clear.

“I’m as happy as I’ve ever been in my life.
“This is a big milestone for me. I’ve always wanted to represent Australia so to get the all-clear to play for my country means the world to me.”

Danning has caught the eye with his stylish form for Sydney FC in this year’s A-League competition, heightening interest in his availability for the national age teams.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) said new player eligibility rules introduced by Fifa would have meant the teenager was unable to represent Australia at any official tournament until he had spent five years in the country after his 18th birthday.

But FFA said it had been successful in gaining an exemption for Danning, who arrived from Ghana as a seven-year old, clearing the way for the youngster to play for Australia.

Source: BBC

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