By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu, GNA
Keta (V/R), June 02, GNA-Some football fans in Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, have shared mixed reactions to the newly released Black Stars squad list, with many expressing excitement over the inclusion of experienced players and a few new faces.
Some supporters described the list as balanced, while others questioned whether it has enough strength to deliver at major international competition.
At the Vui-Ho station, some fans told the Ghana News Agency that the squad reflected a blend of youth, energy and experience.
Mr Maxwell Agogo, another fan, said the current Black Stars squad’s composition gave hope that the Black Stars could compete strongly if the players were united and disciplined on the field.
He noted that the presence of established names such as Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, among others would help steady the team in difficult matches.
“I know some other fans may not be completely convinced about the squad, but the question is, do we have any other well fit players elsewhere who deserve to be in the list, the best we can do now is to support the team to deliver in the world cup,” he said.
Mr Rauf Salifu, a strong Black Stars, also argued that a few players including Razak Simpson and Evans Sarfo of Nations FC, among several domestic players who have been performing well in the domestic league deserved consideration and should have been given the opportunity.
According to him, building a competitive national team should go beyond reputation and past performances, and all eligible players should have been included to justify their inclusion.
“They believe the technical team must focus on teamwork, fitness and tactical discipline rather than relying only on individual talent. This team is weakest ever Ghana has produced for World Cup.”
Some other fans observed that the team’s recent performances have shown that star players alone do not guarantee success, and the squad needed strong leadership, clear roles and a winning mentality.
A section of the supporters praised the goalkeeping and defensive choices in the squad, and added that those areas appeared to have depth, while a solid backline would be important if the Black Stars are to remain compact and avoid conceding unnecessary goals with the team’s progress expected to depend heavily on organisation at the rear.
Midfield selections also drew attention, with fans saying the team has enough creativity to control matches if the players combine well, while some stressed that the midfield must connect with the defence to attack effectively and provide enough service to the forwards.
Some said the squad’s success would depend on how quickly the midfield could settle into a rhythm, and with the attack expected to score goals from the squad but added that finishing remained a major concern.
They called on the forwards to be more clinical and take chances when they game commenced to be well prepared to work hard for every goal, especially in tight matches.
Some said that football remain a major source of unity and conversation in Ghana and Keta, especially when national teams are involved and that the public expect the players to repay that support with commitment and results.
They urged the Ghana Football Association and the technical handlers to communicate clearly with the public on selection decisions.
They said transparency would help reduce speculation and build trust between the team and supporters, while expressing the view that fans are more likely to back the squad when they understand the basis for the selections.
The mood in Keta was cautious optimism, with many fans hoping the squad could justify the confidence placed in them as they face Wales in another World Cup pre-preparatory match ahead of the tournament.
They said the nation would rally behind the team if they showed discipline and a strong sense of purpose.
Meanwhile, the Portuguese tactician, Coach Carlos Quieroz, named the squad including Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang in the goalkeeping department.
Derrick Lackassen, Abdul Mumin, Jonas Adjetey, Gideon Mensah, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Kojo Peprah Opong, Jerome Opoku, and Mavin Senaya are for the defensive roles.
At the midfield, experienced Thomas Party, Kwesi Sibo, Elisha Owusu, Caleb Yirenkyi and Augustine Boakye were called.
The attackers include skipper Jordan, Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Prince Adu Kwabena, Ernest Nuamah, Christopher Bonsu Baah and Brandon Thomas-Asante.
The Black were housed in group L of the upcoming world with other teams such as England, Panama and Croatia.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah