Ghana coach Chris Hughton has reportedly named five home-based players in his provisional Black Stars for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2023 AFCON is scheduled to start on January 13 in Ivory Coast with Ghana playing Cape Verde, Mozambique and Egypt in the group stage.
In search of fifth AFCON title, coach Chris Hughton is expected to announce a formidable squad for the continental showpiece to be staged in Ivory Coast.
According to Kumasi-based Wontumi FM, the former Premier League manager has submitted a 50-man provisional lists to the Ghana Football Association which included five local players.
The Irish-Ghanaian trainer is expected to prune the squad to the required number for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament before it's commencement.
Top football personalities including have advocated for the inclusion of some local players particularly, Kotoko's Richmond Lamptey, Hearts of Oak duo of Salifu Ibrahim and Kelvin Osei Asibey, and Stephen Banahene of Bibiani Goldstars in the Black Stars due to their swashbuckling performance in the ongoing Ghana Premier League.
Ghana have a history of success in the AFCON, having won the title four times, most recently in 1982. However, they have experienced defeat in three finals since then, including losses to Ivory Coast in 1992 on penalties and Egypt in 2010, as well as a repeat defeat to Ivory Coast in 2015.