Bechem United coach Kasim Ocansey Mingle has hinted some home-based players have been placed in the standby of the Black Stars for the upcoming AFCON 2023 qualifiers.
No local player made Chris Hughton’s 24-man squad but according to Mingle, the former Premier League manager is keeping an eye on some local players for any last minute decision.
The Black Stars will travel to face Madagascar on June 18, 2023 in the penultimate AFCON matches.
Interview with Kumasi-based Wontumi FM monitored by Footballghana.com, the coach said, “The information I have is that, there are some of the local players who are on standby list of the coach. They are on standby and will replace any of the foreign players who is unable to join the team”
“They are still monitoring the players and don’t want to rush them into the national team. They are on standby and if the need arises they will be drafted into the team but if it doesn’t happen, they will use them to build the Black Stars B and if you are able to perform they will push you to the Black Stars proper” he said.
Ghana currently sit top of Group E in the AFCON qualifiers, amassing 8 points. Their journey thus far has seen them secure victories in two matches against Madagascar and Angola, while also earning draws against Central African Republic and Angola in the initial four fixtures.
Following the Madagascar clash, the Black Stars will conclude their qualifiers with a final home game against the Central African Republic in September.
Excitement continues to build as Ghana aim to maintain its impressive form and secure qualification to next year’s tournament in Ivory Coast.