Former Black Stars midfielder, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, is making a strong case for Ghana Premier League players to be included in the Black Stars, especially Dreams FC attacker John Antwi. He said he monitored the player in the just-ended CAF Confederation Cup and believes the player did exceptionally well, which should give him an advantage. However, it is unfortunate that he was snubbed.
Agyemang Badu, speaking to Jeffries Kwabena Sintim-Koree on Wamputu Sports on Happy FM, gave reasons why he thinks John Antwi should have been given a call-up.
“I am a fan of the Ghana Premier League, so I was expecting some players to be included in the squad. One player I will mention is John Antwi of Dreams FC. He has been very fantastic throughout the Dreams FC Confederation Cup campaign and the league. He is one of the strikers I have been following; he knows the terrain and is very experienced. However, it is just unfortunate where he is coming from. If they were to call him right now, you know what would happen. I have monitored him, which is why I have singled him out. I watched all of Dreams FC’s Confederation Cup home games, so I have read him and know his capabilities”.
He further stated that if other countries like Uganda and Congo are inviting players from the Ghana Premier League, why can’t we do the same for our players? He has advised the technical handlers to pay much attention to the Ghana Premier League, as there are many quality players there.
“Also, there are some players from Medeama SC who played well in Africa and know the terrain well. If we are in a country where Otanga can get a call-up to play for the Congo national team, and Mukwala can get a call to play for the Uganda national team, then John Antwi, who is here, can also fit into our team. So, after these upcoming games, I will plead with the coaches to pay much attention to the local league, because we have quality players there.”
John Antwi and his teammate Aziz Issah, ended the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup campaign with four goals, sharing that spot with Paul Bassou of RS Berkane and Malian striker Abdoulaye Kanou, who plays for USM Alger