Ghana will select players for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Somalia on ability and suitability, rather than where they play, interim Black Stars assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko says.
The interim technical team, led by head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren, is expected to name its squad later this month for the two matches.
Tanko, who is also coach of Medeama SC, said the priority was to identify players capable of improving the national team, whether they are competing in the Ghana Premier League or overseas.
“There is no Ghana Premier League player or foreign player; we are looking at the best players that can help Ghana,” Tanko said after Medeama’s 1-1 draw with Asante Kotoko on Sunday.
“If there are 10 local players we think can help, then why not?” he added.
Ghana are scheduled to play Somalia on Thursday, November 12, before the return fixture on November 16. Both matches are expected to take place in Ghana.
The Black Stars approach the double-header at the bottom of Group C after losing their first two qualifying games.
They opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast in Bouake and then suffered a 4-2 home loss to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The results have left Ghana without a point and made the two meetings with Somalia particularly important to their hopes of recovering their qualification campaign.
The Black Stars are also attempting to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after failing to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco following a disappointing qualifying campaign.
Their prospects of reaching the 2027 finals are already under pressure, placing added importance on the squad selected by the interim technical team and the results against Somalia.
