Former Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah is convinced local players could play a vital role in Black Stars bid of winning the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana have not won Africa's prestigious tournament since 1982.
President Akufo Addo has tasked the team to end the country's 39 years trophy drought.
CK Akonnor, who is the head coach of the side has been lauded for calling up players from the Ghana Premier League for the final qualifying series of the AFCON tournament as well as friendly matches.
And according to Appiah, Akonnor’s decision to call up local players only goes to show the competitiveness of the Ghana Premier League this season.
Asked whether the local players could be pivotal to Ghana’s success in the 2022 AFCON campaign, Appiah said, “I think so because this season, the league is looking interesting and very competitive," the former Juventus and Fenerbahce ace said.
“Years back there would have been a 12-year difference between the top two but this time around it is not like that.
“And all the teams have about 3 or 4 players that are outstanding and at a point, we were not seeing that.
“That means they are doing well and our league is going well,” he added.
Ghana will take on Morrocco and Cote D’Ivoire during the June International break.
C.K Akonnor’s squad for the two games included seven local players in Razak Abalora (Asante Kotoko), Ibrahim Danlad (King Faisal), Ismail Ganiyu (Asante Kotoko), Joseph Adjei (Legon Cities), Rashid Nortey (Medeama SC), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Steadfast FC) and Philemon Baffuor (Dreams FC).
The 2021 Afcon will be hosted in Cameroon next year.