Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association Oti Akenten has hailed the inclusion of six gold winning members of the National U-20 team to the Black Stars.

AC Milan-bound Dominic Adiyiah, Daniel Adjei, Daniel Addo make their debut for the Stars, whilst Agyemang Badu, Andre Dede Ayew, Samuel Inkoom, make a return to the senior team in a 20 man list released by coach Milovan Rajevac ahead of the final World Cup qualifying match with Mali in Accra.

Coach Oti Akenten told Joy Sports in an interview that Rajevac’s decision is a “step in the right direction”

He said the coach witnessed at first hand the efforts of these players during the just ended U-20 Championships in Egypt where they shrugged off the threats of South American Champions Brazil in the final to win the trophy.

He reckoned the players will replicate their outstanding performances if given the opportunity in the senior team, adding, even if they start on the bench it will be a wonderful experience for them.

But some critics say the players must not be rushed into the senior side.

Ace journalist and boxing connoisseur Moses Foh Amoaning said the victory of the U-20 team should not blind the handlers of the national side of the enormity of the task at the World and Nations Cups.

Even though he admits that a few of the players could be called up, he rejected the number of players from the squad who received invitation for the Mali match.

He argued the rich experience of Hans Adu Sarpei, Derek Boateng and others could be tapped if the Stars want to make any headway in the Nations and World Cup.

He was however optimistic that the Stars could win the World Cup if the right preparation goes into it.



Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana