Ahead of every major tournament, there is always plenty fanfare surrounding call-ups to the national team, as every player eagerly anticipates receiving the honour of representing their country at the highest level. The handlers of the Black Stars could in the coming weeks name a squad to start preparations for next month’s AFCON tournament.
A handful of players who, on form, ability and experience, deserve a place in the Chris Hughton led Black Stars team. Emmanuel Keyekeh is one player Hughton may seriously want to consider. The basic mentality a player needs to possess in order to earn himself a call-up to the national team entails a strict focus on bettering club form. Keyekeh has undoubtedly achieved that at Samartex SC this season.
With 3goals, 1assist in 13 games (not a bad return from a midfielder), Keyekeh without a scintilla of doubt deserves a shot at representing his nation at the highest level. Arguably, one of the most underrated talents in the Ghanaian top-flight, the former Karela and Kotoko man showed bags of potential for the Samreboi based club last term, scoring and assisting his teammates at will and has continued his impressive form into the current season.
The reality is that the Black Stars have an embarrassment of riches to select from at the moment but Keyekeh could prove to be a welcome addition to the squad if he would be granted the rare opportunity to compete with the other more established names. He is a player whose movement and nous can add plenty to the Black Stars side.
Keyekeh is a versatile midfielder who’s dedicated, hardworking, humble and open to learning. Modelling his game on Spain and Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquet, the lanky midfielder thrives in creating for his colleagues but also adept to finding the back of the net himself.
Cool as a cucumber, he possesses a fine first touch and terrific footwork and is blessed with an ability to change direction with almost effortless ease, and his balance-combined with a great with a great awareness of what’s around him makes him a constant threat.
Earning a Black Stars call-up will be a big moment for the Nkwantai-born midfielder, who said when asked if he was eyeing a place in Hughton's team: “Definitely. It is a massive honour for me.” He told kickgh.com
“I have worked really hard this season. If the call-up comes, it is progress from what I have done here at Samartex.”
Keyekeh has always had faith in his ability. Just ask those fans of Samartex, and whether it’s on the ball, making tackles, assisting or scoring goals, he’s proving his doubters wrong and making a very strong case for himself as the best central midfielder in the country. Keyekeh is playing the best football of his career and he is excelling. He is enjoying his football too.
Chris Hughton is sure to have noticed his immense talent and must reward him with a call-up into the Black Stars for the AFCON 2024 tournament next month.
