Former Black Stars defender Emmanuel Armah "Senegal" has vehemently criticized defensive problems in the Black Stars as it manifested against Japan on Tuesday when the team lost 3-1 to Japan in the Kirin challenge Cup.

The defensive pair of John Boye and Jonathan Mensah has not really worked over the past few months as well the lateral pair of Harrison Afful/Opare Tawiah and Samuel Inkoom/Kissi Boateng.

The long term injury of John Mensah has exposed the problems at the back in all the qualifying matches.

The ex-Ghana international admits he has concerns about the last four of defense which is critical in any team's set up.

“It’s a huge problem and we must have solution to it. The defense is a problem but the central defense is worse. It’s not working and the earlier we find a lasting solution to it the better.

“We cannot pretend that all is well. We need a plan to find solution to the problem. Some of the combinations are simply not working and I think the FA should consult the likes of Frimpong Manso, Opeele Aboagye and myself to solve this problem."

“We have to spread the net wide and look deeper and I’m sure we’ll find the solution,” Armah told JOY Sports.

The ex-Hearts of Oak defender has called for the immediate return of experienced Rennes defender John Mensah to the squad ahead of the 2014 World Cup play-offs.

Emmanuel Armah was part of the Black Stars squad in 1992 Nations Cup in Senegal where the team placed second to win silver.