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 the Black Stars’ provisional 28-man squad for official camping and the upcoming pre-World Cup friendly against Wales in Cardiff.

The list, which includes five goalkeepers and omits Joseph Paintsil, Majeed Ashimeru, and Derrick Köhn, has been slammed and criticised by the media and football fans.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Asante Twum explained that the selection was driven by a structured evaluation process involving extensive video analysis, live scouting, and performance tracking.

According to him, 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 for the World Cup, opening camp in Cardiff ahead of their friendly game against Wales on June 2.

Ghana, which is making its fifth appearance at the Mundial, will face Panama, England, and Croatia in Group L of the World Cup, beginning with Panama on June 17 at BMO Field, before meeting England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium and Croatia on June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Black Stars are aiming to end a difficult World Cup run, 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.