Ghana coach Chris Hughton explains omission of local players in recent Black Stars call-ups

Chris Hughton, the coach of the Ghana national team, the Black Stars, has provided an explanation for his decision to exclude local players in his recent call-ups.

Despite attending matches in the Ghana Premier League, Hughton has not included any local players in the two squads he has named for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This has raised questions, especially considering the absence of some key players due to injuries.

In a video interview on BKB TV’s YouTube channel, Hughton addressed the issue and emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced and consistent approach within the current squad. He stated that he is open to considering local players in the future but highlighted the need to assess the overall picture rather than focusing solely on individual players.

Hughton explained that during his time in Ghana, he has made an effort to observe most of the teams and gain a comprehensive understanding of the level of the league and the standout players. He believes it is crucial to have a broader perspective and consider the entire league rather than just specific individuals.

“At this stage, it’s about getting a feel for the league, the level of the league, the better players, and trying to get the whole picture as opposed to just some individuals. When we come up with the individual players, the balance is always what I have,” Hughton stated.

The coach also acknowledged the importance of finding the right balance in the squad, considering the consistency and the presence of many players based in Europe, some of whom have not been playing regularly. He aims to strike the right balance while taking into account various factors at play.

“At this moment, we’re trying to find the right balance of keeping the consistency of what we’ve had. We, of course, have a lot of players playing in Europe, and there are also a lot of players in Europe who haven’t played. So, it’s just for me to try and get this balance,” Hughton stated.

Hughton’s decision to exclude local players in recent call-ups has drawn attention, particularly with the upcoming match against Madagascar on June 18, 2023. This match holds great significance for the Black Stars as they seek qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations.

The performance of the team in this crucial match will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders.