Former Ghana Football Association Communications Director, Ibrahim Sannie Daara, has urged the Black Stars’ management to widen their player selection process to increase competitiveness and prevent complacency within the national team. His remarks come amid concerns over the team’s lackluster performance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers, where Ghana has faced challenges that now threaten its path to qualification.
Daara highlighted the impact of overconfidence among current players, suggesting that the assurance of regular selection has allowed some to settle into a comfort zone, undermining the team’s overall performance.
A lot of players feel too comfortable, and it affects performances,” Daara told GHOne TV in a recent interview.
“Young players haven’t struggled to get in, making them complacent.
According to Daara, the absence of competition for spots has dulled the team’s competitive edge, leaving room for a less determined mentality.
To tackle this issue, Daara advocates for expanding the selection scope beyond the traditional pool of players competing in top European leagues.
He suggested that talented individuals playing in less prominent leagues or on the fringes of elite football should be considered to foster a more competitive environment within the squad.
Widen the scope to include players like Bernard Terkpetey,” Daara proposed, arguing that “changing the strategy will bring healthy competition and improve results.”
This approach, he believes, would motivate the players to consistently perform at their best, knowing that their positions in the squad are not guaranteed.
Daara contends that a broader selection approach could spark a competitive atmosphere that drives each player to elevate their game, benefiting the team in the process.
The Black Stars, currently in a precarious position in their AFCON qualifiers, will play two crucial matches in Accra later this month: first against Angola on November 15, followed by a match against Niger on November 18.
These games, to be held at the Accra Sports Stadium, are critical in determining whether Ghana secures a spot in the upcoming AFCON tournament.
However, the team’s recent performances have fueled doubts among fans and analysts alike, many of whom share Daara’s concerns about the team’s dynamics and composition.
Daara’s call for change has resonated within the Ghanaian football community, sparking a conversation around the management’s player selection strategies.
The former GFA official’s remarks highlight an underlying issue: the assumption that players who secure positions in the Black Stars once can expect to retain them with minimal effort.
By advocating for a wider talent pool, Daara is not merely calling for more players but for a team that consistently represents the best Ghana has to offer, regardless of where its players are based.
As Ghana heads into these critical qualifiers, Daara and others will be watching to see if the Black Stars’ management will respond to the demand for a broader selection strategy.
With the stakes high, these upcoming matches may be pivotal not only for Ghana’s AFCON qualification hopes but for the future structure and competitive spirit of the Black Stars themselves.
