Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has admitted that the strong advocacy for the selection of local players into the Black Stars has died down for him.
This, he said, is due to the performance of the Black Galaxies in the qualifiers for the 2024 Championship of African Nations (CHAN).
Ghana were knocked out in a doubleheader by Nigeria in December to dash hopes of returning to the tournament.
The Black Galaxies drew goalless in the first leg but lost 3-1 to the Nigerians in the second leg to miss out on the Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda tournament.
Speaking in an interview on Onua TV‘s Agoro Fie on Friday, March 14, the former Asante Kotoko and Berekum Arsenal midfielder lauded Black Stars coach Otto Addo for selecting at least three locally-based players in his latest squad.
“I think the three are apt to be there,” he told host Isaac Ansah Apagya about the naming of Hearts of Oak’s Benjamin Asare, Nations FC’s Razak Simpson and Medeama SC’s Kamaradini Mamudu.
“However, you know I have been a strong advocate for the league just that those who had the chance to go for the CHAN [qualifiers] should have showcased their talent, tried to qualify and try to bring attention to the coach,” he said.
“When they went, they failed to perform. Inasmuch as there were one or two players who were not called up, those who represented the country should have done better. You and I were at the Accra Sports Stadium. When we went to Nigeria, in the first 20 minutes, we had three goals in our net.
“So, advocating for them has become a bit difficult. So, for now we can’t rush them to the coach to be used at all cost. Even with the three called up, if two get the chance to play they must show their talent and open up for the local league.”
Ben Asare received his debut call-up into the team with Simpson and Mamudu having called up in the past.
