Accra: Director of Communications of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has provided insight into the detailed scouting and analytical process that informed the selection of Black Stars' provisional 28-man squad for official camping and upcoming pre-World Cup friendly against Wales in Cardiff. The list, which includes five goalkeepers but excludes Joseph Paintsil, Majeed Ashimeru, and Derrick Kohn, has faced criticism from the media and football fans.
According to Ghana Web, Asante Twum explained that the selection was driven by a structured evaluation process involving extensive video analysis, live scouting, and performance tracking. The technical team reviewed around 200 player videos and monitored 170 matches live over the scouting period. "About 200 videos were reviewed to assess individual players. The technical team also analysed 170 matches through live monitoring," he said. "During this period, 75 players were systematically scouted, while 30 were observed live. All assessments were documented to support medium- and long-term planning and inform the selection of the 28-man squad," he added.
The Black Stars have intensified their preparations ahead of the World Cup, having opened camp in Cardiff before their friendly game against Wales on June 2. Ghana, making their fifth appearance at the Mundial, will compete in Group L against Panama, England, and Croatia. They will begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, followed by England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 and Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field on June 27. The Black Stars aim to overcome recent World Cup challenges, having exited at the group stage in both 2014 and 2022, as they target a return to the knockout rounds for the first time in over a decade.