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Augustine Arhinful, former player of the senior national team, the Black Stars, has called on coach Kwesi Appiah to ensure a blend of “experienced and youthful players” in his squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Coach Appiah is set to name a 30-man provisional squad on Monday, May 20, ahead of the continental showpiece.

Speaking in an interview with the GNA Sports, he said the team cannot afford to overlook its experienced players, neither can it rely solely on the inexperienced ones.

He said a good blend of the experienced and the youthful players, would be the best composition for the team.

Arhinful said, experienced players, like captain Asamoah Gyan, Dede Ayew, Harrison Afful and John Boye among others would provide an invaluable quality to the team, as well as mentor the young and upcoming players.

“Football is always blended of the youth and experienced ones. So let’s blend the old and the new ones and hope that luck be on our side to win the competition,” he said.

He noted that, the team should be focused in their preparations and close their ears to the “negativities” in the media.

“I think the negativity out there is too much, We should rather duel on positives. The radio debate would always be there, but the technical team and the players should stay focus.”

The 32nd edition of this year's AFCON tournament would start from June 21 to July 19 with Ghana pitted in Group F alongside defending champions Cameroon, Benin and Guinea-Bissau.