Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed confidence that Augustine Boakye will grow into a key figure for the Black Stars despite currently being used mainly as a substitute.
The Saint-Étienne midfielder made another appearance from the bench during Ghana’s disappointing 4-2 defeat to The Gambia in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Boakye’s continued introduction as a second-half option has raised questions, but Queiroz insists he has no hesitation in trusting young talents and believes the midfielder will gradually become an important player for the national team.
“Never in my life have I been afraid to play new players in my team. Augustine Boakye will become a key player for the Black Stars step by step,” Queiroz said.
The 24-year-old earned his first Ghana appearance in the opening AFCON qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire, where the Black Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké.
Although he has started both matches on the bench, Boakye has impressed whenever introduced and continues to push for a place in the starting XI.
With Ghana set to return to action in November for a doubleheader against Somalia in the AFCON qualifiers, the midfielder will be hoping his performances convince Queiroz to hand him his first competitive start for the Black Stars.
