Ghana legend Frimpong Manso wants the interim Black Stars staff to back Premier League players in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Somalia.
A Ghana great is calling for the Black Stars to look closer to home. Former international Frimpong Manso has urged the interim technical team to hand more Ghana Premier League players a shot in the upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Somalia.
Ghana host Somalia in a double-header, with Matchday 3 on November 12 and the return leg on November 16. Both games are set to be played in Ghana, giving domestic players the perfect stage to impress in front of their own fans.
Manso argues that the timing could not be better. With several key foreign-based players reportedly nursing injuries and fitness concerns, he believes this window is the moment to test the depth of the local league. He was clear that the idea is not about taking Somalia lightly, but about strengthening the squad and rewarding players who can make a real contribution to the national team.
His suggestion is simple: identify around five locally based players with the quality to step up, then build around them with the best of the foreign-based contingent. It is a balanced blend he feels could serve Ghana well, both now and in the longer road to AFCON 2027.
Manso also had a word of caution for the coaching staff about how they approach selecting players from abroad. The message is that picks should be earned on merit and form, not reputation. All eyes will now be on the interim team's squad announcement to see whether they heed the call.
