Former Hearts of Oak captain Adjah-Tetteh backs local players to rescue Black Stars

Former Hearts of Oak captain Lawrence Adjah-Tetteh believes combining home-based and foreign-based players could strengthen the Black Stars ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Somalia.

However, he insists the final decision should rest with the coach, who must select players that fit his playing style.

Ghana are desperate to revive their qualification campaign after losing their opening two Group C matches.

Adjah-Tetteh, who was part of the Black Stars team that started with 11 Hearts of Oak players against Nigeria in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier, believes local talents can make a difference.

Ghana held Nigeria to a goalless draw in Accra on March 11, 2001, under coach Cecil Jones Attuquayefio.

Speaking to Citi Sports at the launch of the Kivo U-17 Colts Regional Champions Cup, Adjah-Tetteh urged Ghanaians to support the interim technical team and expressed confidence in Kim Lars Björkegren, Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram.

“I think when we blend local and foreign-based players, it will be okay. It depends on the coach. He will identify the players who can fit into the team. We should allow him to come in and select his players so that we can have a better team.

“We want a win for the Black Stars to qualify. We can beat Somalia, and we should give the team maximum support.

“I have confidence in Godwin Attram and Ibrahim Tanko because they are former players and have the experience. They can do it. I believe we can win and even qualify,” he said.

Ghana will host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi on November 12 before the return match on November 16.

The Black Stars have no points after two defeats and must collect maximum points from both games to revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.