AFCON Qualifiers: Coaches of the Black Stars are recommended to utilize local players for the upcoming two matches
Former Ghanaian international, Sam Johnson, has recommended that local players be given priority for the upcoming final matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers for the Black Stars.
The national team is scheduled to play an away game against Angola’s Palancas Negras in Luanda, followed by a home match against Niger’s Super Eagles at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Given Ghana’s precarious position in the qualifiers, Johnson, who has experience playing for Hearts of Oak and Fenerbahçe, sees this as a perfect chance to assess the abilities of domestic players.
He contended that utilizing local talent in these crucial matches could offer them valuable experience against top-level African opponents, potentially boosting their confidence for upcoming tournaments. “I am keen on having the local players participate in the remaining AFCON matches,”
Johnson shared with Graphic Sports. We might consider incorporating local athletes and recruiting a couple of international players to provide them with more opportunities. It will assist in boosting their self-assurance and spirits.
Nevertheless, Johnson had concerns regarding the present skill level in Ghana’s local league. He observed the difficulties in choosing players because of the decreased quality of the league. The issue at hand is deciding which players to invite. From my observations, I lack confidence in making a decision.
The league’s quality is not up to par, and we cannot invite these players if we want to prevent significant losses,” he stated. Johnson also expressed worry about the decreasing popularity of the local league, linking low attendance to a lack of top-notch performances.
Even soccer clubs with large numbers of supporters, such as Hearts of Oak, are finding it difficult to draw in crowds, he noted. With the community league, individuals lack the incentive to tune in. Even fans of Hearts of Oak are not showing up to watch the games.
Johnson inquired about the last time the Accra Sports Stadium was packed, excluding Black Stars games. As Ghana anticipates Sudan’s results to stay in the running for qualification, coach Otto Addo is set to reveal the team later this week. Ghana is currently in third position in Group F with only two points from four matches, behind both Angola and Sudan.
