Afful captained Ghana and Mensah started the 1-0 defeat to Mexico on Wednesday, but flew back to their club on Thursday morning in time for Saturday's Major League Soccer meeting against Atlanta United.

Another Columbus player, Mohammed Abu, has been allowed to stay on for the match.

With the friendly against the U.S. falling outside the regular FIFA international window, Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah was powerless to prevent the players from leaving.

In their absence, Appiah could start Rashid Sumalia at right-back, with Jerry Akaminko likely to get the nod to partner John Boye in the centre of defence.