“Black Stars technical team must dig deep in scouting local players” - Ogum

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare earned high praise as one of the domestic-based players in the Ghana squad during World Cup qualifying. Photo Credit: Ghana Football Association

Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has called on the Black Stars’ technical team to dig deep when scouting for local players to represent the senior national team.

Three home-based players, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, Medeama SC defender Kamaradini Mamudu and Nations FC centre back Razak Simpson were the only local players who were selected for Ghana’s recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Hearts goalkeeper Asare made a strong case for the locals, displacing long term first-choice Lawrence Ati-Zigi and starting both matches in his maiden call-up.

The 32-year-old wrapped up two clean sheets when Ghana battered Chad by 5-0 in Accra on March 21 and defeated Madagascar 3-0 in Morocco three days later to top Group I.

Dr. Ogum believes the local league has untapped potential that deserves more attention from Ghana’s technical selectors.

“They [technical team] need to scout deeper and deeper in the [Ghana] league, and when they are able to do that, I’m sure they will have a backlog of locally good talented players who, when given the opportunity, can play," Ogum said after their FA Cup triumph over True Democracy.

“To me, they shouldn’t just scout local players and go and put them on the bench. They should scout players who, when given the chance, will be able to compete.

“It is a clear indication that there are other players in the local league who, when given the necessary opportunity, the right opportunity, will also be able to showcase their talent. The Ghana Premier League has quality; people think that there is no quality in the Ghana Premier League (but) there is quality," he said.

The four-time African champions now lead Group I with 15 points. Ghana will face Chad and Mali in their next set of qualifiers in September.