Head coach of Black Stars Kwesi Appiah has defended his call-ups for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Congo.

Ghana face an uphill task to make a fourth successive appearance at global showpiece next year as they occupy the third position, five points behind leaders Egypt after a faltering start. 

And Appiah has invited 24 players he trust can rekindle the country's qualification hopes by beating the Red Devils home and away.  

His squad includes two debutants and four returnees but left out regulars like Afriyie Acquah, Mubarak Wakaso and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu.

“Ghana has got a lot of talent, and it very important we also try to introduce one or two so that they could be assessed by all Ghanaians," he said

“It shouldn’t be only the coach choosing who should come and play for the Black Stars, we should give Ghanaians the opportunity to also say that if Asamoah Gyan is not there, we should have someone who can also replace him that why I always try to bring new players,” Kwasi Appiah said told the media at the launch of his foundation yesterday.

He added: “There are lot of new players waiting but those we have now have to prove that they deserve to there.”

Black Stars will host the Red Devils at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 1 before travelling to Brazzaville for the return encounter on September 5.