Black Stars head coach Milovan Rajevac has named five local players in his final squad for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. The five local players who have been included in the 28-man squad for the continental competition are goalkeeper Richard Attah of Accra Hearts of Oak, defender Philemon Baffour of Dreams FC, midfielder David Abagna of Real Tamale United and winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku of Dreams FC and Maxwell Abbey Quaye of Accra Great Olympics. These players have been excelling for their respective clubs prior to the call up. 

The Confederation of African Football has allowed teams the opportunity to submit 28-man squad due to global pandemic COVID-19. Teams are at liberty to submit 28 or 23-man squad for the Nations Cup. 

David Abagna of Real Tamale United is part of players gunning for goal king chart in the Ghana Premier League. The forward was given little attention prior to the start of the ongoing local league, but he has demonstrated what he could offer, after getting the needed opportunity. The former Ashanti Gold and WA All Stars player has scored 8 goals. Of the 12 goals scored by Real Tamale United, 8 of them are attributed to his blistering form. David Abagna does not only score but ensures he stays relevant on the pitch for his club. His energy, power and scoring prowess could be of benefit to the Senior National team, especially when a goal machine is needed to bolster the attacking lines. 

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku is another player who deserves an invite for the tournament. Known for his speed and power on the flanks, Abdul Fatawu makes a great addition to the team. His previous call up has exposed him to how things work at the National team. That experience coupled with his corrosive form for Dreams FC in the local campaign make him an obvious choice for AFCON. As a winger, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku has 6 league goals to his credit, staging a keen competition with strikers. As a star for the future after playing an integral role in Ghana’s AFCON triumph at the youth level, next year’s Africa Cup of Nations is a tournament that could birth his experience at the bigger stage. 

Goalkeeper Richard Attah has had the opportunity to be with the National team in recent games. Those invites are fresh for his inclusion into the final squad for Nations Cup. 

Defender Philemon Baffour has received call up in recent games for the Senior National team. His previous invite may have motivated Milovan Rajevac to give him another opportunity as the tournament draws closer. 

Maxwell Abbey Quaye has been an integral member of Accra Great Olympics squad for the domestic top flight. His form courted attention, earning him a slot in the final list for Africa Cup of Nations.