Desmond Ofei fills his Black Meteors squad with home-based talent as Ghana chase a 2027 U-23 AFCON spot against Libya.
Ghana's domestic league is getting its moment. Black Meteors coach Desmond Ofei has built the bulk of his 23-man squad around home-based players for the two-legged 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, and the message is loud: the Ghana Premier League is a real pipeline.
Asante Kotoko duo Emmanuel Sanja and Hubert Gyau headline the local call-ups. They are joined by Heart of Lions midfielder Ishmael Addo, Young Apostles' Dacosta Antwi, Dreams FC's Gidios Aseako and Medeama SC forward Yakubu Saeed, a spread of clubs that shows Ofei casting his net wide across the league.
The selection also lands against a backdrop of questions over whether the coach is truly watching local football. Ofei has pushed back firmly, saying he follows league action closely. After attending Hearts of Oak's clash with Basake Holy Stars at the University of Ghana Stadium last month, he made his point plainly: he does not need to announce himself when he is at a game. This squad looks like his answer.
The home-grown core is balanced by eight foreign-based players, including Barcelona B youngster Aziz Issah, Real Madrid Castilla defender Oscar Naasei and Annecy's David Oduro. It is a blend of homegrown grit and European polish that Ghana will hope can punch their ticket to the continental finals.
