Ghanaians raise questions over CK Akonnor’s latest Black Stars call-ups

09:27 - 19 March 2021

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Ghanaians on social media have criticsed Black Stars coach <a href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/sports/football/ck-akonnor-names-squad-for-final-round-of-afcon-qualifiers-partey-ayew-brothers-out/jrqkgh9">CK Akonnor </a>over his latest national team call-ups.

The Black Stars are set to face South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in the final round of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

On Thursday, Akonnor named a 29-man squad for the two games but his player selection has become a matter of controversy.

While the likes of Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey didn’t make the squad due to COVID-19 challenges, a chunk of the local-based players have also been dropped.

📌Black Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers against South Africa & São Tomé and Príncipe#BringBackTheLove pic.twitter.com/fwBWsY1Vhb
— 🇬🇭 Ghana Football Association (@ghanafaofficial) March 18, 2021

One player whose inclusion has divided opinions is Kwame Afriyie Poku who plays for English fourth-tier side Colchester United.

Meanwhile, the exclusion of Ghana Premier League top-scorer Diawusie Taylor has also been criticised by a section of the public.

Here are some reactions from CK Akonnor’s latest Black Stars call-up:

CK Akonnor de3 that's why Kwame Kyei sacked even after winning the NC competition. That was a good decision from Kwame Kyei.
— GH Baka (@GhBakayoko) March 18, 2021

So CK Akonnor camped the local players for weeks and makes this selection with foreign players dominating the list.....eiii eiii...what kind of country are we in...the fact that baffour was picked over Ashie Quaye is surprising....and you call this #BringBackTheLove shame
— Michael Akomeah (@akomeahmessiah) March 18, 2021

When is CK Akonnor having a Press Conference to explain this squad... 🤔🤔🤔 https://t.co/JqTHARxwpi
— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) March 18, 2021

A player from the English 4th tier. Really, serious question here - so the Black Stars technical team watch the English 4th tier league? Wow, I'm impressed.
— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) March 18, 2021

The Black Stars belong to every Ghanaian.

But Ghanaian players in the English fourth tier SHOULD NOT be getting Black Stars callups. Unless they are so, so good.

Is Mr. Colchester that good? YouTube suggests he is very normal.
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) March 19, 2021

And let nobody try to explain to me why we invited Kwame Afriyie Poku of Colchester United, currently 21st placed team in a 24 team in the Engalnd 4th Division, because we need to cap him to prevent England from inviting him.

ENGLAND DOES NOT NEED HIM. SIMPLE!! STOP THAT.
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) March 19, 2021

Black Stars list!! I don't even have the energy anymore. I'm happily retired. The sports journalists can have fun with it.😂😂😂😂
— Godfred Akoto Boafo (@eastsportsman) March 18, 2021

Diawusie Taylor’s omission from the Black Stars squad has to be explained. Many football fans need to know why he wasn’t picked.
— Yaw Tebogo (@theyawofosu) March 18, 2021