Henry Asante Twum Explains Benjamin Asare’s Sole Local Call-Up in Black Stars Squad
The Ghana Football Association has moved to address concerns surrounding the limited representation of domestic players in the latest Black Stars squad, with Communications Director Henry Asante Twum outlining the rationale behind the selection.
Head coach Otto Addo named a 26-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Austria national football team and Germany national football team, with Benjamin Asare emerging as the only player from the Ghana Premier League to make the list.
The decision sparked debate among fans and observers, but Asante Twum insists the process was driven purely by performance data and technical evaluation rather than any disregard for local talent.
“Otto Addo, together with his technical team, has been watching the Ghana Premier League, and they have been doing their own analysis on the players,” he said.
He further stressed that selection into the national team hinges on multiple performance indicators, including consistency and tactical flexibility.
“If you want to bring in any player, you will have to look at the numbers, performance and versatility before a decision will have to be made.”
Addressing claims that home-based players were overlooked, Asante Twum pointed out that competition for places extends beyond the domestic league.
“It is not about overlooking any local player because we have other players in Europe who did not make the cut,” Asante Twum added.
The Ghana national football team will kick off their March schedule with a clash against Austria in Vienna before travelling to Stuttgart to face Germany, as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the European friendlies, Ghana’s build-up to the global tournament will continue with additional test matches against Mexico national football team in May and Wales national football team in early June, as the technical team fine-tunes the squad ahead of the competition set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
