Former Ghanaian professional footballer, Michael Osei has identified two midfielders and a sensational defender in the Ghanaian domestic league who ought to earn a national team call-up for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Ghana is amongst several teams making their way to Ivory Coast for the Continent's most prestigious tournament.
With few weeks to the tournament, Coach Michael Osei who recently managed Ghanaian side Bibiani GoldStars SC wants Stephen Banahene, Richmond Lamptey and Kelvin Osei Assibey considered on the Black Stars squad for the AFCON.
Osei having played as a midfielder during his days with Asante Kotoko SC, Eintracht Frankfurt and Mainz 05 has easily spotted two midfielders in the domestic league that can help the cause of Ghana ending their long trophy drought.
The four-times AFCON champions last won the AFCON in 1982 but made two final appearance in the last 13 years, however failed to clinch it.
Osei, 52, could not hide his joy after watching Ghana's version of El Classico (Super-Clash) between Accra Hearts of Oak SC and Asante Kotoko SC on Sunday but called for the invitation of three players to Black Stars.
Osei Assibey plays as center-back for Accra Hearts of Oak SC whiles Richmond Lamptey is a midfield gem for Asante Kotoko SC.
Stephen Banahene trades for Bibiani GoldStars SC as a midfielder.
Speaking in an interview with Kickgh.com, Osei disclosed that it will only be fair for the Black Stars technical team to make a difference with a different breed of players by considering the aforementioned players for the AFCON. Detailing his argument he highlighted the qualities of these players, saying;
"We need to spell out the beans we have quality players in our league that should be considered for the national team. I watched the Super Clash and I was overwhelmed with the performance and qualities players like Kelvin Osei Assibey and Richmond Lamptey possesses" Honestly, the Black Stars need some local hungry players to beef up the squad" Osei told Kickgh.com
"We don't need to invite soo many foreign based players. Is not making the squad healthy" Lamptey and Banahene from GoldStars be considered on the Black Stars squad and Osei Assibey too" We need balance, Osei is very energetic, fast and also very technical, good with both air balls and footwork.
"Lamptey and Banahene are good passer of the ball and workaholic. We need this type of players and profiles in the team. They can let us hood the ball and play to our own system", he concluded.
Ghana will face Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique in the Group stage of the AFCON tournament as they hope to end their trophy drought in neighbouring country Ivory Coast.
Story By: Kolog Bonaventure
