2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Odartey Lamptey urges Black Stars to use Somalia games to boost market value

Former Ghana international Nii Odartey Lamptey has urged Black Stars players to use their upcoming matches against Somalia to improve their market value while helping the country revive its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

Lamptey believes representing Ghana provides players with an important platform to showcase their abilities, attract interest from clubs and secure better opportunities in their professional careers.

The former Aston Villa midfielder questioned whether the current generation fully appreciates the benefits of playing for the national team, insisting that impressive performances in Ghana colours can significantly improve a player's career prospects.

He argued that players must recognise the opportunities that come with representing the country and make the most of every appearance.

“If you are able to play well and excel very well, you are able to market yourselves. That’s what I don’t know about the young players now; when you play for Ghana, it’s 50-50. In a way, you market yourself by doing well; better things come to you,” he told Oyerepa FM.

Lamptey also challenged the squad to take responsibility for Ghana's fortunes, stressing that the players must put national pride ahead of individual interests as they prepare for the crucial double-header against Somalia.

He believes the Black Stars have little room for further setbacks and must approach both encounters with the determination to secure maximum points.

"So I think this is the time that the players have to carry the national flag on their shoulders because these two matches, no matter what, we have to win these matches,” he added.

Ghana will host Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 GMT, before travelling for the return fixture four days later.

The four-time African champions are bottom of Group C without a point after suffering defeats in their opening two qualifying matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

The results have left Ghana under considerable pressure, making the two encounters against Somalia crucial to their hopes of securing a place at the 2027 AFCON.

The Black Stars are seeking a return to the continental showpiece after missing the 2025 tournament in Morocco, having failed to qualify for the competition for the first time in more than two decades.