Experienced Ghanaian football administrator George Afriyie says he expects new Ghana coach Chris Hughton to hand invitations to all quality players to merit call-up to the Black Stars.
Hughton, 64, was named as the replacement for Otto Addo who left the role in December 2022 immediately after the West African powerhouse exited the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Paintsil of Belgian outfit KRC Genk and Crystal Palace midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp were among players who dominated the headlines in Ghana after Otto Adoo snubbed them in naming his 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar.
After taking charge of the team as the new manager, the former CAF AFCON Marketing Committee member says he expects Hughton to resolve issues around the call-up of all quality players.
“We have to agree that Chris [Hughton] wasn’t the head coach. He was just an advisor. With his position, he could advise but if the head coach doesn’t go with the advice there is little he can do. It is a new king new law. I know Chris [Hughton] that from his track record in the EPL, he would extend invitations to those players who became the center of gravity,” he told Ghana Sports Online.
Ghana fans remain anxious over the international future of Belgium-based attacker Joseph Paintsil who was shockingly left out of the Ghana squad for the World Cup.
Crystal Palace midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp could also find his way back into the squad with Hughton and his assistant Boateng being huge fans of the German-born versatile midfielder.
Felix Afena-Gyan impressed under the watch of Hughton in the double-header against Nigeria in the FIFA World Cup final qualifying stage. The former AS Roma attacker was also snubbed for the final squad for the Mundial.
Spain-based midfielder Baba Iddrisu Mohammed was also left out of the squad at the last minute and is also likely to make a return to the squad.
Other players who could be considered include Majeed Ashimeru and Frank Acheampong.
