Sam Johnson On The 2025 AFCON Qualifiers
For the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Angola and Niger, former Ghanaian defender Sam Johnson has suggested that local players be employed.
Before hosting the Super Eagles at Accra Sports Stadium, the Black Stars will play the Palancras Negras in Luanda to finish their qualifying campaign.
The former Hearts of Oak and Fenerbahçe left-back emphasized before of the games that it would be prudent to take advantage of the chance to test home-based players, especially because Ghana’s hopes of qualifying are in shambles.
He claimed that this would increase their confidence for upcoming competitions and expose them to elite continental competition.
“I really want the local guys to go and play in these last AFCON matches,” Johnson told Graphic Sports. “We could bring in local players and add a few foreign-based ones to give them exposure. It will help build their confidence and morale.”
Johnson, however, had doubts about the present pool of players despite his excitement for fostering local talent.
He acknowledged that it was difficult to find qualified players for the national squad because of the local league’s deteriorating standards.
“The question is, which of these players would you invite? Based on what I’ve seen, I’m not confident. Our league’s standard is low, and you can’t call up these players if we want to avoid heavy losses,” John remarked.
The former international bemoaned the local league’s waning popularity, blaming low attendance on the absence of strong performances.
Even clubs with sizable fan bases, like Hearts of Oak, were having trouble drawing spectators, he said.
“With the local league, people aren’t motivated to watch. Even Hearts of Oak supporters aren’t attending matches. When was the last time you saw Accra Sports Stadium full, apart from Black Stars games?” Johnson asked.
Later this week, Otto Addo is anticipated to reveal his team for the matches.
With only two points from their four games, Ghana is currently in third position in Group F, behind both Sudan and Angola. In the event that Sudan loses their next two games, the Black Stars hope to advance to the tournament.
