Black Stars Head Coach Carlos Queiroz has explained the main criteria in his latest squad selection as the team prepares to fight for a return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ghana will start their qualifiers against three-time African champions La Cote d’Ivoire in Group C in a quest to return to the continental showpiece.
But Carlos Queiroz’s squad for the clash – and the next at home – has been greeted with mixed reactions after some key players were missing.
Vice Captain Thomas Partey, Coventry City striker Brandon Thomas-Asante, Wolfsburg defender Jonas Adjei Adjetey and Erzurumspor midfielder Elisha Owusu are among some notable absentees.
Making a return to the squad after various injuries, however, are Tottenham Hotsqpur’s Mohammed Kudus and Russia-based Alexander Djiku.
Queiroz explained that the technical team carried an in-depth monitoring of players before selecting the gallant men for battle.
“Our technical staff carried out our usual in-depth monitoring of the players,” he told Ghanafa.org.
“The limitations or periods of inactivity affecting some players are also well known,” he added.
“There is always one general principle that we consider fundamental at this stage, except in exceptional circumstances: players should be in competitive action, physically prepared and fully ready to play for the national team.”
He noted that the focus of the team is to gain qualification but have its sight set on the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
