Former Black Stars winger Emmanuel Duah has stressed the importance of integrating both local and foreign-based players into the Black Stars' starting XI.

His remarks come at a crucial time for the team, whose qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hangs in the balance after a series of disappointing results.

The Black Stars currently find themselves in a precarious position in Group F, following a shocking 1-0 loss to Angola, a draw against Niger, and another draw with Sudan, which has left them languishing in third place.

In an interview with Kessben, Duah expressed his dissatisfaction with the apparent neglect of home-based players when it comes to selecting the senior national team.

“It would be prudent for the coach to at least give three local players starting roles in the Black Stars. Blending local and foreign-based players will strengthen the team,” he stated.

Duah emphasized the need for competition within the squad, arguing that no player should have an automatic place in the starting lineup.

“There should be a competition in the team. It shouldn’t always be about foreign players.

We performed better during our playing days because there was competition; local players battled foreign players for starting spots, which made the team flourish," he concluded.