Ghana FA official slams Black Stars staff for sidelining local players in AFCON qualifier

Football administrator Eric Alagidede expressed frustration on Thursday after the Black Stars' interim technical team did not field any of the four home‑based outfield players who were called up for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Somalia.

The interim coaching panel, led by Kim Lars Björkegren and supported by former internationals Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, had selected four Ghana Premier League players for the match at Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi. Despite the team's 2-0 victory, none of the locals saw playing time.

Alagidede's criticism

"This Somalia team that we watched, any decent Ghana Premier League team, especially those in the top three, will account for it..."

"I am particularly angry with Tanko and Attram because we called five local players, and [aside from] Benjamin Asare, none played. I will bring my verdict on them after Monday."

"If none of the local players get the opportunity to play against Somalia, when again will they play? Why do we keep calling these boys when we know they will not play? Let's stop it so we know there is no football in Ghana."

Alagidede told Sporty FM that the exclusion of the locally‑based squad members undermines the development of Ghanaian football and pledged to present a verdict after the upcoming match.

Upcoming fixture

Ghana's next encounter with Somalia is scheduled for Monday, 16 November, at the same Essipong Stadium.