Local players must be given more opportunities to compete at Black Stars

Benjamin Asare, [L] and Razak Simpson

Asante Kotoko head coach, Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, has called on the Black Stars’ technical team to ensure local players are given a fair chance to compete when selected for national duty.

Ahead of Ghana’s Matchday 5 and 6 fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar, three home-based players—Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Medeama SC defender Kamaradini Mamudu, and Nations FC defender Razak Simpson—earned call-ups.

Asare made a strong impression, displacing first-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi and starting in both matches during his maiden call-up. Meanwhile, Simpson was introduced late in Ghana’s 3-0 victory over Madagascar.

Dr. Ogum believes the local league has untapped potential that deserves more attention.

“They need to scout deeper and deeper in the [Ghana] league, and when they are able to do that, I’m sure they will have a backlog of locally good, talented players who, when given the opportunity, can play,” Ogum said.

He also emphasized the importance of giving local players meaningful roles rather than just filling squad spots.

“To me, they shouldn’t just scout local players and go and put them on the bench. They should scout players who, when given the chance, will be able to compete,” he added.

The Black Stars delivered a dominant 5-0 win over Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium before their victory against Madagascar.

Now leading Group I with 15 points, Ghana will face Comoros and Mali in their next set of qualifiers in September.