Former GHALCA Chief Blames Player Standards for Struggles in Youth and CHAN Competitions

Former Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) chairman, Alhaji Ali Raji, has expressed deep concern over the declining quality of home-based players, attributing it to Ghana’s struggles in youth competitions and the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Ghana has failed to qualify for the U-17 World Cup since 2017 and recently missed out on the U-20 AFCON, despite winning the tournament in 2021. The Black Galaxies, composed entirely of local players, also suffered elimination in the CHAN playoffs against Nigeria.

Speaking to Asempa FM, Raji was blunt in his assessment: “I am being honest with you, the quality is very low. From the U-17, U-20, U-23, and CHAN teams, the standard is not there.”

He further criticized local coaches for failing to develop talent, adding, “The coaches have not shown any ability to transform low-quality players into top players. Hearts of Oak’s current squad would struggle to make it into Auroras, and Asante Kotoko’s present players would not fit into Anokye Stars.”

His comments highlight growing concerns about the development of Ghanaian football at the grassroots level and the need for urgent reforms.