C.K. Akonnor pledges to bring quality to Black Stars

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Ghana coach C.K. Akonnor, says he is looking to change the face of the senior national team with young, dynamic and energetic players.

Coach Akonnor has been tasked to end the country’s long absence of trophies at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon and guide the Black Stars to secure qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after replacing Kwesi Appiah on a two-year deal.

“I think we have to dig deep and look all over Europe for who have had the chance to play for Ghana and those who have not had the chance to do so,” Mr Akonnor told the Ghana Football Association media.

“We have about 15 names of players who are playing at different levels and it is important to talk to them and gauge their interests in playing for Ghana.

“I believe it is time we slowly changed the face of the team in terms of energy and pace. I look forward to getting some of these young, dynamic and energetic players,” he said.

He also revealed that there are scouts monitoring local players in the ongoing Ghana Premier League.

“In terms of players based in Ghana, there is a setup of four scouts who will watch the league and so, once we are interested in a player, we will watch for a period of about four or five matches and see his performances.

“We have put together a lot of things to help bring out good talent from the Ghana Premier League,” he added.

His outfit will first be in action in a 2021 Afcon qualifying double-header against Sudan in March.