Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah explains why he snubbed locally-based players

by Graeme Jackson

Sunday Nov 05, 2017. 14:00

Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah has explained why he opted against selecting locally-based players for next weekend’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Egypt.

The Black Stars tactician didn’t name a single home-based outfield player in the squad for the clash with the Pharaohs.

Only Aduana Stars goalkeeper Joseph Addo represents the domestic league in Appiah’s latest selection.

“The local boys finished the league last two weeks, so how do you use players who have finished the league,” the former Ghana skipper told Graphic Sports.

Last month, Appiah handed debuts to Vincent Atingah (Hearts of Oak) and Isaac Twum (Inter Allies) in a friendly win over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.

He has also previously called up Winful Cobbinah (Hearts of Oak), Gideon Waja (WAFA SC), Samuel Sarfo (Liberty Professionals) and Nicholas Opoku (Berekum Chelsea).

Ghana will host already-qualified Egypt at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on November 12.