Veteran coach Joseph Emmanuel Sarpong has expressed his disappointment at the limited number of Ghana Premier League (GPL) players included in the Black Stars squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Only Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was named in the 24-man squad as a home-based player. Sarpong believes that deserving players from the domestic league should be given opportunities to showcase their abilities at the international level.
Sarpong criticized what he sees as a double standard in the assessment of home-based players. “They say the local boys are not good enough to play in the Black Stars, but it is the same boys who travel and, after one or two years, suddenly get invited to the national team,” he said. This statement suggests that there is a bias against GPL players, who are often overlooked for national team selection.
The Black Stars have traveled from Accra to Bouaké ahead of their opening qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday, 24 September 2026. The match will be played at the Stade de la Paix, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT. Ghana will then host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium five days later. The team is preparing for the qualifiers under the guidance of head coach Carlos Queiroz.
Sarpong's comments highlight the ongoing debate about the inclusion of GPL players in the national team. Many have argued that GPL players are often overlooked, despite their impressive performances in the domestic league. The limited inclusion of GPL players in the Black Stars squad has raised concerns about the team's scouting and selection processes.
The Black Stars squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers was named by head coach Carlos Queiroz. The squad includes a mix of local and foreign-based players, with only Benjamin Asare being the sole representative from the GPL. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be closely watched, with many expecting a strong showing from the team.
Ghana's football fans have high expectations for the Black Stars, and the team's performance in the qualifiers will be closely monitored. The team's coach, Carlos Queiroz, will be under pressure to deliver a strong result, especially against a tough opponent like Côte d’Ivoire. The fans will be hoping that the team can secure a positive result and advance to the next stage of the qualifiers.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers are an important milestone for Ghana's national team, and the team's performance will have a significant impact on the country's football landscape. The team's coach and players will need to work together to achieve a strong result and make the country proud. Key challenges ahead include navigating the tough competition and overcoming any obstacles that may arise during the qualifiers.
Key points
- Veteran coach Joseph Emmanuel Sarpong criticizes limited GPL player inclusion in Black Stars squad.
- Sarpong sees double standard in assessment of home-based players.
- Black Stars face tough qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia.
