Former Black Stars defender, Dan Quaye, has raised pertinent concerns regarding the 55-man provisional squad announced by Coach Chris Hughton as Ghana gears up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Quaye, emphasizing the critical role of experience, questions the exclusion of seasoned players and highlights their potential contribution to ending Ghana’s 41-year trophy drought.
While Coach Hughton is expected to trim the squad to a maximum of 27 players before the tournament commences, Quaye remains skeptical about omitting players with valuable experience.
He specifically queries the absence of key figures such as Harrison Afful, Mubarak Wakaso, and Frank Acheampong from the initial selection.
“Experience is the key to everything. For me, there should have been places for Mubarak Wakaso, Jonathan Mensah, Harrison Afful, and Frank Acheampong.
They have played at the highest level and have what it takes to perform well with the national team,” Quaye asserted in an interview with Footballghana.
According to him, this quartet of experienced players could offer essential leadership and mentorship, proving crucial to the success of younger talents within the team.
Ghana, placed in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique, faces a challenging journey in their quest for a fifth AFCON title.
The Ghana Football Association has revised its pre-tournament plans, shifting from the initial camp in South Africa to an organized preparation in Kumasi.
This strategic move aims to optimize the team’s readiness for the tournament, especially given the formidable opponents within their group.
The upcoming tournament, scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024, presents Ghana with a prime opportunity to reclaim glory and reshape its AFCON narrative.
As the squad undergoes final selection and preparation, the concerns raised by Dan Quaye add a layer of scrutiny to Ghana’s strategy, sparking discussions about the optimal balance between youth and experience in pursuit of footballing success.
