Former Bibiani Gold Stars coach Michael Osei passionately advocates for the inclusion of three exceptional players – Richmond Lamptey, Stephen Banahene, and Kelvin Osei Assibey – in Ghana's squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
These local talents, according to Osei, possess unique qualities that merit consideration for a spot in the final squad set to compete in January next year.
In a candid interview with Kolog Bonaventure, Osei emphasizes the need for the Black Stars' technical team to recognize and leverage the potential of players within the local league. He singles out Kelvin Osei Assibey, a robust center-back representing Hearts of Oak SC, Richmond Lamptey, a skilled midfielder from Asante Kotoko SC, and Stephen Banahene, a dynamic midfielder for Bibiani GoldStars SC.
"We need to spell out the beans we have qualities players in our league that can be considered for the national team," Osei remarks. He draws attention to his observations during the Super Clash, where the performances of Assibey and Lamptey particularly impressed him. Osei advocates for a healthy balance in the squad, emphasizing the importance of local talents alongside foreign-based players.
"We don't need to invite soo many foreign based players. It’s not making the squad healthy," Osei asserts. He specifically commends the qualities of Osei Assibey, describing him as "very energetic, fast, and also very technical, good with both air balls and footwork." Osei sees Assibey's inclusion as a means to bolster the defensive capabilities of the team.
Lamptey and Banahene, according to Osei, bring essential attributes to the squad. He praises their proficiency in passing, work ethic, and their ability to uphold possession, stating, "They can let us hold the ball and play to our own system." Osei's plea for the inclusion of these players revolves around the idea of infusing the Black Stars with a blend of local talent, workhorse mentality, and technical prowess.
As the Black Stars prepare for group stage battles against Egypt, Mozambique, and Cape Verde in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Osei's endorsement of Lamptey, Banahene, and Osei Assibey serves as a call to diversify the squad and tap into the rich pool of talent within the Ghanaian football scene.
The 2023 AFCON, scheduled to kick off on January 13 and conclude on February 11, 2024, presents an opportune moment for Ghana to showcase the potential of these local gems on the continental stage. Osei's passionate plea underscores the belief in the transformative impact that players like Lamptey, Banahene, and Osei Assibey could have on the Black Stars' campaign in Ivory Coast.
