Following the recent Black Stars call up by coach Otto Addo, Dreams FC, a rising force in Ghanaian football, has found itself on the wrong side of idealism, suffering from what appears to be a case of unjust victimisation despite a series of remarkable achievements in recent times.
The club made history in 2023 by winning the Ghana FA Cup and went on to represent Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup. In an incredible run, Dreams FC reached the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, a feat not achieved by any Ghanaian club in the past 20 years.
Their success was driven by outstanding individual performances. Youngster Abdul Aziz Issah emerged as one of the brightest talents, being voted the most promising player of the FA Cup competition. Aziz also shone on the continental stage, finishing as joint-top scorer in the CAF Confederation Cup with four goals. His brilliance was also evident in the Ghana Premier League, where he scored magnificent goals against top teams like Asante Kotoko. Furthermore, Aziz played a pivotal role in Ghana’s U20 team, helping them win the 13th African Games by scoring two crucial goals. His exceptional performances have earned him an invitation for trials with FC Barcelona in Spain, highlighting his burgeoning potential.
Another key player for Dreams FC, goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi, was in top form throughout their campaign. His remarkable performances, including numerous clean sheets, earned him the title of the best goalkeeper in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2024.
Veteran striker John Antwi also had a stellar season, ending up as joint-top scorer in the CAF Confederation Cup. He was the most influential player for Dreams FC in the competition, leading by example with his experience and goals.
Despite these in-form displays, Dreams FC’s players have been conspicuously absent from the national team setup. Ghana coach Otto Addo has not extended a call-up to any Dreams FC player for the Black Stars, a decision that has raised eyebrows in the football community.
The underlying issue appears to be the involvement of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, who was also a director of Dreams FC. There is a perception that the coach, fearing criticism, has refrained from inviting Dreams FC players to avoid any appearance of bias or favoritism. This situation is depriving deserving players of their rightful place in the national team, despite their outstanding performances.
The continued exclusion of Dreams FC players from the national team is not only unfair to the players but also to the club, which has worked tirelessly to achieve success on both domestic and continental fronts.
The situation is a classic example of how off-field politics can negatively impact the careers of talented footballers, and it raises questions about the integrity of the selection process for the national team.
Dreams FC, despite their achievements, are being held back by factors beyond their control, and it is high time that merit and performance are recognized above all else in the selection of players for the national team.