2026 WCQ: “Local players must prove their worth to earn starting role” – Akonnor

Three of the Ghana national team's home based players, Nations FC’s Razak Simpson, Kamaradini Mamudu of Medeama and Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare will look to earn a spot in Otto Addo’s starting line up in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday.

Simpson and Mamudu have already made their debut for the four-time African champions with Asare earning his first call up for the encounter against Chad and Madagascar.

With many clamouring for opportunities for the home based players, former Black Stars head coach Charles Akonnor believes the players must prove themselves in training to merit a starting berth.

Speaking to Graphic Sports, the former Ghana captain welcomed the inclusion of local players but emphasized that their call-up does not guarantee them playing time.

"They have been invited, and at training if they show a good sign that they want to play, they have to convince the technical team that they are not just bench players but are here to start," Akonnor stated. "If they give the coach that signal, he wouldn’t hesitate to use them because his goal is to play and win matches with the best players available" he added.

The three local players have taken part in the Black Stars’ first and second training sessions which began on Monday at the Accra Sports Stadium. The former Hearts of Oak and Kotoko coach has urged the team to remain calm and treat the challenge against Chad very seriously.

"Under normal circumstances, these teams shouldn’t worry us but football has changed, so we have to take it very seriously," Akonnor cautioned.

Ghana will face Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, with kickoff set for 19:00 GMT. The team will then travel to Morocco to take on Madagascar on Monday, March 24.