John Antwi's brace puts Hearts striker back in Black Stars spotlight ahead of AFCON qualifiers

John Antwi has reignited his bid for Black Stars selection following a stellar performance in Hearts of Oak's opening Ghana Premier League match, scoring twice in a commanding 4-0 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the University of Ghana Stadium. The striker's clinical display has positioned him among potential candidates for Carlos Queiroz's squad announcement for the upcoming September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Speaking after the match, Antwi acknowledged the competitive nature of international football while expressing his commitment to earning a recall. "Every player wants to play for the national team, but I will continue to work hard and wait for my opportunity," the forward stated, signalling his readiness should Queiroz consider him for selection.

Antwi's international journey and previous experience

The Hearts striker is not a stranger to international duty. He made his Black Stars senior debut on 10 October 2017, coming off the bench at half-time against Saudi Arabia in a match Ghana won 3-0. His subsequent appearances for the national team came during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, when he featured for 23 minutes in a 1-0 defeat to Sudan in November 2020.

Though called up for additional qualifiers against South Africa and São Tomé and Príncipe during that qualifying cycle, Antwi did not feature in either encounter. His inconsistent playing time at international level has meant his profile faded somewhat, making his current form at club level a crucial opportunity to remind the technical team of his capabilities.

Black Stars' AFCON qualifying path and selection timing

Queiroz is expected to announce his squad imminently as Ghana prepares for its AFCON qualifying campaign. The Black Stars will open their 2027 qualifying journey against neighbours Côte d'Ivoire before facing The Gambia in their second fixture. The Ghana Football Association has yet to confirm the exact match dates, though the fixtures are scheduled for September.

The competitive nature of Ghana's qualifying group and the international stature of early opponents means selection decisions will be based on current form and fitness. Antwi's strong start to the domestic season could prove decisive in a crowded striker market, particularly given Hearts of Oak's importance as a traditional nursery for national team talent.

Why it matters for Ghana

Hearts of Oak's performance and players' individual contributions carry significance beyond club football in Ghana. As one of the country's most successful domestic outfits, the Phobians traditionally serve as a talent pipeline for the Black Stars. Strong domestic league performances often translate into international opportunities, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits both club and country.

For Ghana's AFCON campaign, depth in attacking options remains essential. Queiroz's ability to identify form players from the domestic league strengthens the squad's competitive edge. Antwi's resurgence also underscores how Ghana's premier division remains a viable platform for players to audition for national team places, encouraging higher performance standards across the league.