Former Ghana defender, Sam Johnson, has called on Black Stars head coach Otto Addo to give players in the Ghana Premier League the chance to play against Angola and Niger in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.<\/p>\n He explained that if players from the Ghana Premier League are given the nod to start for the team, it would boost their morale and confidence to improve their performance.<\/p>\n The former defender stated that with the team on the verge of not qualifying for the 2025 AFCON, the last two games against Niger would be the perfect opportunity to give the local players a chance.<\/p>\n Speaking in an interview with Happy FM, Sam Johnson bemoaned the mediocre standards of the local league, which raises concerns about the players’ performance.<\/p>\n “I really want the local guys to go and play in these last AFCON matches. 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. <\/p>\n “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,” he said.<\/p>\n The Black Stars are on the brink of not securing qualification for the African Cup of Nations for the first time in 20 years following a terrible performance in the matches played.<\/p>\n After four matches, Ghana are third in Group F with two points. Sudan are in second place with seven points, while Angola are leading with twelve points.<\/p>\n Ghana must win against Niger and Angola and hope Sudan lose their remaining matches to secure qualification.<\/p>\n Watch the latest episode of Sports Check with renowned boxing trainer Don Charles<\/b><\/p>\n![\"Sam](\"https:\/\/cdn.ghanaweb.com\/imagelib\/pics\/228\/22826491.295.jpg\" "\\"Sam")
play video<\/span>Sam Johnson is a former defender for Ghana<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n