Former Ghana defender Dan Quaye has called for increased involvement of home-based players in the Black Stars setup, arguing they could play a key role in reviving the national team.
Ghana’s struggles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers continued on Thursday when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Chad in N’Djamena.
The Black Stars had looked on course for victory following Jordan Ayew’s first-half strike, only to concede a late equalizer to Ecua Celestin in the dying minutes.
Quaye believes the defensive lapses that cost Ghana two points highlight the need to place more trust in the domestic league.
“I will blame the defenders for the equalizer. They were just sleeping on duty. It’s time for us to bank our hopes on the local players.
“Razak Simpson is a top defender and could have done us good against Chad. He could have prevented the Chadians from grabbing this equalizer,” he told Bryt FM.
For the September international window, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was the only locally based player named in Otto Addo’s squad for the games against Chad and Mali.
Quaye insists more such opportunities should be given to players from the Ghana Premier League if the national team is to rediscover its strength.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars have returned home to prepare for their next Group I clash against Mali, scheduled for Monday, September 8, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana currently lead the group with 16 points after seven matches, ahead of Madagascar (13), Mali (12), Comoros (12), Central African Republic (5), and Chad, who picked up their first point of the campaign in Thursday’s draw.
