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0 Former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has expressed his surprise at the absence of local players in the squad list released by head coach Otto Addo.
On Tuesday, Addo unveiled the roster for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, with Kotoko goalkeeper Fredrick Asare being the only local-based player included.
Agyemang-Badu, a U-20 World Cup winner, voiced his astonishment during an interview on Onua TV, stating that he believes Dreams FC’s striker John Antwi deserved a spot on the squad.
“Dreams FC have one striker called Antwi, has a lot of experience playing in Africa; he’s played in Egypt, and the way he carried Dreams FC on his back and the goals he’s scored in the league and the experience he has, I believe he was a good candidate for the striking position in the team With Inaki missing through injury,” he said.
Agyeman-Badu also had one other name who he thinks also deserved a place on the list.
“Samartex’s Keyekeh has been very good this season so I was expecting these two players in the squad especially John Anwti should have been given the needed attention looking at how good he’s been this season,” he added
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Although his expectations weren’t met, Badu has called for support for the team.
“The most important thing is to support the team and hope we don’t lose against Mali, else a win for Comoros in the other game will bring pressure on the team,” he further stated.
The Black Stars currently sit fourth in group I and would have to be at their very best if they are to qualify for the World Cup. The games against Mali and Central African Republic on June 6 and June 10 respectively would also be the first competitive games for Otto Addo in his second stint for the Black Stars
The post Black Stars call-up: Agyemang-Badu surprised with exclusion of local players first appeared on 3News.
