VIDEO: Former Asante Kotoko midfielder discusses why Barnieh and Inkoom deserve to play at the World Cup

Former Kumasi Asante Kotoko midfielder, David Ofei thinks there would be “no question” that Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Samuel Inkoom would start in Otto Addo’s line-up during the World Cup.

Barnieh, the Hearts of Oak forward has been in an electric form for both club and country.

Having led the Black Satellites to win the Africa U-20 Championship, Barnieh also played a pivotal role in Hearts of Oak’s GPL and FA Cup success during the 2020/21 season.

The youngster maintained his form, delivering a blistering to guide the team to win last season’s FA Cup title and the President’s Cup before helping the Black Galaxies to book historic qualification to the upcoming CHAN.

Barnier is the only local player called up by Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo for the international friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua in late September.

He is also on Ibrahim Tanko’s list for the U-23 AFCON qualifiers.


However, Samuel Inkoom, who played for the senior national team between 2008 and 2015 is currently enjoying a good day with Ghana Premier League giants, Hearts of Oak.

He left the local league as an Asante Kotoko player to join the Swiss side, FC Basel.

The 33-year-old Ghanaian international is well known for his scintillating performance at the right-back position after winning the U-20 World Cup for Ghana in 2009.

According to David Ofei, Barnieh who is currently preparing for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua has the qualities to play at the World Cup and there will be no question and any other option than playing Inkoom at the right-back of the nation at the World Cup.


“You can’t interrupt whenever a coach is deciding unless he asks for your opinion but for me, Barnieh is superb and I’ve even heard he’s been called up. He is super, he is unique in the league now. Everybody knows.

“You did mention somebody like Inkoom. In our right back I believe Inkoom is a super player. He has passed through all the national teams. He has even played at the World Cup before. He has the experience and even works hard more than the youths. When you see Inkoom training, when you see him playing now he is super because he is having experience in Europe. He has played in the Champions League and at the World Cup. He is playing quite well. The coach should check that side and call him because when he calls him I think our right back is going to be solved.

“Apart from Tariq and others, Inkoom will be the best player. If not first, he will be the second option.

“On paper, he is the first person to play. Everybody knows the CV. Inkoom will qualify based on that for the position before other people,” Ofei revealed in a conversation with Ghanasportspage.com