Black Stars coach Chris Hughton has reportedly submitted a provisional 50-man squad list to the Ghana Football Association for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

According to reports from Angel TV, Hughton's submission aligns with tournament rules, which require countries to present their provisional lists by December 14.

While the provisional list includes 50 players, the final and official 23-man squad for the AFCON must be announced by January 3, 2024.

In anticipation of the squad announcement, certain names have gained widespread attention in the media, with the call for the inclusion of specific players intensifying.

After an impressive performance in the Super Clash on Sunday, December 10, 2023, Asante Kotoko midfielder Richmond Lamptey has been highlighted as a player deserving a place in the squad.

Former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko midfielder Charles Taylor has voiced his support for the inclusion of Richmond Lamptey and Hearts’ Salifu Ibrahim, emphasising their demonstrated quality.

Taylor believes that these two players should be added to the Ghana squad for the AFCON based on their impressive performances.

“If we don't see these two [Salifu and Lamptey] in the Black Stars squad, then we need to question Chris Hughton. The two players have shown talent and quality and deserve a place on our national team, he said.

The Black Stars, a four-time African champion, are poised to encounter strong competition in Group B during the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Cote d'Ivoire.

"In a formidable draw, the West African powerhouse will face off against Egypt, with an impressive seven-time championship record, along with Cape Verde and Mozambique.

The eagerly awaited tournament is slated to commence on January 13, 2024, with the final match scheduled for February 11, 2024. The challenging group stage promises intense clashes as these football powerhouses vie for supremacy in one of Africa's premier football competitions.