AFCON 2017 squad selected on merit – Nyantakyi

The president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, has defended Ghana's 26-man provisional squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, saying it is the best the nation can present for the continental showpiece.

Coach Avram Grant announced his squad for the Black Stars training tour of the United Arab Emirates in a press conference at the GFA Secretariat on Monday January 2.

Reacting to the squad named for the competition, Mr Nyantakyi said at the press conference: "Black Stars is not a district assembly where things are done based on electoral areas.” According to him, “players [were] chosen on merit".

"Every Ghanaian is eligible to play in the team, whether based in Ghana or abroad. Avram Grant chose those he feels are best placed," he added.

The Black Stars will train at a closed camp in the UAE and play two friendlies as part of their preparations for the tournament.

The West African side are due to take on Egypt, Mali and Uganda in Group D of the 2017 African Cup of Nations, which will run from 14 January to 5 February.