Former Asante Kotoko and Aduana Stars forward Yahaya Mohammed is advocating for a fair chance for local players in the Black Stars.
Players plying their trade in the local scene have struggled to make the Black Stars squad in recent times. Kotoko’s Frederick Asare and Samartex’s Isaac Afful were the only two home-based players to have made the squad for the Black Stars' recent games against Sudan.
Citing Asamoah Gyan, Kwadwo Asamoah, and others as examples, the former Black Galaxies attacker advocated for fair chances and playing opportunities for home-based players.
The budding forward argued that Gyan and other players rose to prominence while playing in the local scene and does not understand why current players in the domestic league struggle to earn invites.
“It’s important to give local players a fair chance. Our local players deserve the chances we gave the likes of Asamoah Gyan, Kwadwo Asamoah, and others,” he said in an interview with Kessben FM, as followed by Ghanasoccernet.com. “They need more playing time to shine. No one can prove whether they can play or not if they are not given the chance.”
“Four players were unable to join the Black Stars for the Sudan games, but the technical team overlooked the local players despite their monitoring and went for other foreign players as replacements. It means they have no plans for the local players for now,” he added.
The Black Stars will return to action to face Angola and Niger in the final Group F games next month (November).
Ghana now needs to secure wins against already-qualified Angola and Niger, while hoping that Sudan falters against these same opponents, to keep their chances alive for next year’s tournament in Morocco.