Black Meteors assistant coach Yaw Preko has defended the team's squad selection ahead of Ghana's crucial 2027 CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, insisting the technical team has assembled the best available players for the assignment.
Ghana will face Libya in the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie in Benghazi on Wednesday, with the Black Meteors aiming to secure a positive result before the return fixture in Accra.
The winner over two legs will move one step closer to qualifying for the 2027 CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Addressing concerns over player selection, Preko admitted that squad announcements will always generate debate but stressed that head coach Desmond Ofei and his technical staff carefully assessed all available options before naming the final squad.
Speaking to the Ghana Football Association's media team, the former Ghana international said the coaches had selected a group capable of delivering the desired results.
"In Ghana, regardless of the decisions you make regarding squad selection, some people will be happy while others will be disappointed. We have a pool of talented players, but talent alone is not enough to win games."
Preko emphasised that success at international level depends on more than ability, highlighting character, discipline and focus as equally important qualities.
"You also need character, focus and a bit of luck. Unfortunately, social media has become a major distraction for some young players. You see players with enormous talent, but their attention is sometimes taken away from their football by activities on social media. We believe this is the best group we could assemble at this stage."
The Black Meteors will host the return leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, November 17, where they hope to take advantage of home support to seal qualification for the next round.
Should Ghana eliminate Libya, they will face either Equatorial Guinea or Niger in the final qualifying round for a place at the continental tournament.
Having received a bye in the opening round of the three-stage qualification series, the Black Meteors are now just two rounds away from booking a place at the eight-team 2027 CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The tournament will feature seven qualifiers alongside hosts Egypt and will also serve as the pathway to qualification for the next Olympic Games, making the upcoming ties against Libya crucial for Ghana's ambitions.
